The 2020 Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Lafite-Rothschild, this red wine features a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, with an alcohol content of 13.0%. Sealed with a cork, this vintage is noted for its deep, complex character and potential for long-term aging.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2020 Lafite-Rothschild a score of 97, praising its "deep bouquet of cassis, black truffle, pencil shavings, and violets." Reviewer William Kelley highlighted its "full-bodied, fleshy" nature and "seamless, layered" composition, noting its high pH of 3.94 and predicting that it "will never shut down."
Decanter gave the wine an excellent score of 99, describing it as "an utterly brilliant Lafite" with "understated charm" and a "bright, sharp, joyous sensation." The review emphasized its "incredible aromatic display" and "beautiful tannin integration," concluding that it is "supremely complete with mass appeal."
James Suckling was highly enthusiastic, awarding the wine a perfect score of 100. He lauded it as "rather ethereal and so refined," emphasizing its "finesse, focus, and brightness" and noting its "ultra fine tannins that go on and on." Suckling also mentioned its "dark fruit and fresh tobacco" notes.
Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider also gave the wine a near-perfect score of 99, describing its "compelling nose" with notes of "lead pencil, tobacco leaf, cedar, cigar box, currants, spice, and wet forest leaf." He highlighted its "pure silk" texture and "fresh, bright, long, and intense" palate.
Jeb Dunnuck and Wine Enthusiast both awarded the wine a perfect score of 100. Dunnuck described it as a "sensational effort" with a "tight, yet layered bouquet" and "flawlessly balanced" structure. Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss called it "structured, dense, and with great concentration," noting its "elegance" and recommending it be enjoyed from 2028.
Vinous, with a score of 98, highlighted the wine's "finely-chiseled tannins" and "wonderful delineation," predicting it will "evolve beautifully over several decades." Jane Anson, who gave it a 97, emphasized its "classic sculpted Lafite architecture" and "understated power."
The Wine Independent also gave it a 98, praising its "very pure, intense scents" and "tightly knit" palate with "many black fruit, mineral, and fragrant earth layers."
Overall, the 2020 Lafite-Rothschild is a highly acclaimed wine, noted for its complexity, balance, and aging potential. It is a prime example of the quality and elegance associated with Lafite-Rothschild.