The 2023 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend is a highly acclaimed wine from the esteemed Lafite-Rothschild estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. This red wine, sealed with a traditional cork, showcases the classic sophistication and finesse that Lafite-Rothschild is renowned for.
The blend consists predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon (93%), complemented by Merlot (6%) and a small amount of Petit Verdot (1%). The wine was harvested from September 7th to 29th, with a yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare, and matured in 90% new oak barrels. It presents a deep garnet-purple color, with an alcohol content of 12.9% and a pH of around 3.75 to 3.78.
James Suckling (jamessuckling.com) awarded this wine 98 points, noting its "purity of cabernet sauvignon" and describing it as "full-bodied" yet "weightless and agile" with aromas of "black and red currants, cedar, tobacco, and bark."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (William Kelley) rated it 99 points, praising it as "the finest of the first growths this year" with "deep and incipiently complex aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, lilac, and violets." Kelley highlighted its "vibrant and refined" nature, calling it a "terrific effort."
The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown also gave it 99 points, describing it as "deep garnet-purple" with notes of "boysenberries, wild blueberries, and blackcurrants" alongside "super-ripe, fine-grained tannins" and a "long and shimmery" finish.
Jane Anson (janeanson.com) awarded a perfect score of 100 points, emphasizing its "gorgeous" nature with "fine tannins" and a "hidden power." She noted its "slate and crushed rocks" aroma, describing it as "finessed and sculpted."
Neal Martin from Vinous gave it 97 points, appreciating its "cashmere texture" and "filigree tannins," though he mentioned wanting "a bit more...soul."
Jeff Leve (TheWineCellarInsider.com) rated it 98 points for its "richly colored" and "complex aromatic profile," while Decanter also gave it 98 points, calling it a "clear contender for wine of the vintage" with "understated power" and "elegant and finessed" qualities.
Jeb Dunnuck (jebdunnuck.com) awarded it 97 points, highlighting its "thrilling" aromatics and "seamless, layered, elegant mouthfeel."
Overall, the 2023 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend is a highly praised wine, noted for its elegance, complexity, and potential for long-term aging. Its excellent reviews from prominent wine critics underscore its standing as a top-tier Bordeaux wine.
