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Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1998
A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, this wine represents only 34% of Lafite's total harvest. In a less than perfect Medoc vintage, it has been spectacular since birth, putting on more weight and flesh over the last year. This opaque purple-colored 1998 is close to perfection. The spectacular nose of lead pencil, smoky, mineral, and black currant fruit soars majestically from the glass. The wine is elegant yet profoundly rich, revealing the essence of Lafite's character. The tannin is sweet, and the wine is spectacularly layered yet never heavy. The finish is sweet, super-rich, yet impeccably balanced and long (50+ seconds). Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035. Robert Parker
Ratings on Delectable
Gilbert Van Hassel 
I am not a Bordeaux drinker and not great at keeping an inventory of my wines. So much to my surprise I discovered a full case of this in a dark corner. And what a glorious find this is. Wine absolutely at its plateau but another 10 to 15 years to go. Medium body, layered but not heavy. Color almost has not moved. Keeps evolving in the glass, sweet, lead pencil and still plenty of fruit left. Great effort in a rather difficult year. This makes you smile.
I am not a Bordeaux drinker and not great at keeping an inventory of my wines. So much to my surprise I discovered a full case of this in a dark corner. And what a glorious find this is. Wine absolutely at its plateau but another 10 to 15 years to go. Medium body, layered but not heavy. Color almost has not moved. Keeps evolving in the glass, sweet, lead pencil and still plenty of fruit left. Great effort in a rather difficult year. This makes you smile.
9.6
Martin G Rivard
WOTN!!! Truly in a great, great place right! A phenomenal Bordeaux showing everything that I adore: pencil shavings, granite minerality , gorgeously integrated and a 90+ second finish. The only thing missing to make this a perfect 10 is my good friend @Ron R sitting next to me enjoying the bottle that he gifted to Christine & I!! You are a stud my friend! In the spirit of friendship this was shared and enjoyed with a few of my great friends: @Drew feinberg and Bill Wachter. Come to Think of it, I think my friend Brandon may have had a glass of this as well? I’m sure they will all add their own tasting notes shortly. @brandon brandon Im not sure what we traded in order for me to get this bottle but I am 100% certain that you received the short end of the stick!!!!! I’ll make it up to you,
WOTN!!! Truly in a great, great place right! A phenomenal Bordeaux showing everything that I adore: pencil shavings, granite minerality , gorgeously integrated and a 90+ second finish. The only thing missing to make this a perfect 10 is my good friend @Ron R sitting next to me enjoying the bottle that he gifted to Christine & I!! You are a stud my friend! In the spirit of friendship this was shared and enjoyed with a few of my great friends: @Drew feinberg and Bill Wachter. Come to Think of it, I think my friend Brandon may have had a glass of this as well? I’m sure they will all add their own tasting notes shortly. @brandon brandon Im not sure what we traded in order for me to get this bottle but I am 100% certain that you received the short end of the stick!!!!! I’ll make it up to you,
9.9
Lily Davis
French Wine Specialist at Ottorink Weinbar
A gorgeous expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, super smooth and open after 5 hours in a decanter. Tannins perfectly melted, lovely grain and structure. This wine, while drinking well at 19 years old, can surely last another couple decades at least. A wine of impeccable finesse.
A gorgeous expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, super smooth and open after 5 hours in a decanter. Tannins perfectly melted, lovely grain and structure. This wine, while drinking well at 19 years old, can surely last another couple decades at least. A wine of impeccable finesse.
9.4
Ron R
We let this breathe for 3 hrs, and got this just right! Nose is rather restrained, but offers up barrel toast, black cherries and a touch of tobacco. The palette is spellbinding. It has a rich, lithe mouthfeel. No signs of age. Rich dark fruits and cassis are joined by spice box. Perfectly balanced and weighted. Finishes ethereal. There are no cracks in its armor.
We let this breathe for 3 hrs, and got this just right! Nose is rather restrained, but offers up barrel toast, black cherries and a touch of tobacco. The palette is spellbinding. It has a rich, lithe mouthfeel. No signs of age. Rich dark fruits and cassis are joined by spice box. Perfectly balanced and weighted. Finishes ethereal. There are no cracks in its armor.
10Ksandek Podbielski
Still plenty of life here.
Still plenty of life here.
9.3
Charles Antin
Senior Wine Specialist/Auctioneer Zachys
Baby but Delish!
Baby but Delish!
9.6Helen M Gaydos
Enjoyed a taste of this alongside Laurel Glen 92, not trying to compare but both exciting expressions of what they. What a delightful experience.
Enjoyed a taste of this alongside Laurel Glen 92, not trying to compare but both exciting expressions of what they. What a delightful experience.
9.7
Nico J. Snyman
Extremely young, but after about an hour really started to showcase the nobility of the terroir, oak/intensity/rich but really well balanced.
Extremely young, but after about an hour really started to showcase the nobility of the terroir, oak/intensity/rich but really well balanced.
9.2
Andrew S
Evolved as the night went on and very interesting. Nice perfume of blossoms in addition to leather, graphite, cloves. Nice cassis and darker fruits on the full mid palate and persistent finish.
Evolved as the night went on and very interesting. Nice perfume of blossoms in addition to leather, graphite, cloves. Nice cassis and darker fruits on the full mid palate and persistent finish.
9.5
DAD Wine Lover
Merry Christmas to all !!!
Merry Christmas to all !!!
9.5
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.