The 2020 Lafite-Rothschild is an exceptional Bordeaux blend from the esteemed Pauillac region in France. Crafted predominantly from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, this vintage has garnered impressive reviews across the board. Its alcohol content is moderate at 12.8%, and the wine is sealed with a traditional cork.
James Suckling awarded this wine a perfect score of 100, praising its "amazing aromas" and "very compact and complex" profile. He notes the presence of "tobacco, crushed stone, cigar box, currants, tar, and lead pencil," and describes it as a "wine to contemplate." Similarly, Jeb Dunnuck also bestowed a 100-point rating, emphasizing the wine's "flawlessly balanced" nature with "deep, concentrated, and layered" characteristics, predicting it will age beautifully over several decades.
Decanter's review, scoring it 99 points, highlights the wine's "understated charm" and "incredible aromatic display." They describe a "bright, sharp, joyous sensation" with a "chalky, salinity on the finish." Jeff Leve echoes this sentiment with a 99-point review, noting the wine's "pure silk" texture and "refined, elegant, complex, and compelling" nature.
Vinous and The Wine Independent both rated the wine at 98 points, with Vinous applauding its "wonderful delineation" and "quintessential Lafite-Rothschild" profile. The Wine Independent describes it as "very pure" with "intense scents of crushed blackcurrants" and a "bright, shiny" character.
Overall, the 2020 Lafite-Rothschild is celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and potential for long-term aging. It is a wine that exemplifies the distinguished reputation of Lafite-Rothschild, promising an exceptional experience for those patient enough to allow it to mature to its full potential.