CHÂTEAU LAFITE

Reserved for now, but the core of cassis, bitter plum and raspberry coulis flavors is pure and energetic, while extra black tea, iron and singed alder notes fill in steadily through the finish. This has a very focused, streamlined feel overall, yet there’s serious depth for the cellar. Best from 2020 through 2035. 16,000 cases made. Drinking range: 2020 - 2035 Rating: 95 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2017)

The Château Lafite-Rothschild 2014 is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, picked from 22 September until 10 October with the Petit Verdot, the Cabernet finished two days earlier. The Grand Vin is adorned with surprising richness and opulence on the nose: layers of ripe black plum and juniper, fine definition with even a hint of fig developing with continued aeration. After 5 minutes it turns volte face and becomes much more graphite and cedary - more Pauillac in essence. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, a potent core of black and blue fruit with a bullish (for Lafite) peacock's tail on the finish. Very long in the mouth, this is a Lafite that yearns to compensate for last year and it accomplishes that with some panache. Drinking range: 2024 - 2045 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

A rich, powerful wine, the 2014 Lafite boasts superb depth, nuance and class. Hints of plum, cinnamon, wild flowers and exotic spices are woven throughout, but the flavors remain quite primary. The delicate, brilliant finish points to a bright future for a Lafite that should start to drink well with minimal cellaring. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Lafite accounts for 38% of the production. Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2015)

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Nuanced, very healthy crimson with a ruby rim. Tea leaves on the nose. Rather severe palate with marked tannins quotient. Very Cabernet indeed – but Cabernet that is far from opulent. A bit more stolid than most Lafites. Bone dry and without the beautiful aromatic lift that characterises the best vintages. A bit short on charm. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 17.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2015)

Lovely floral nose and almost understated compared to Mouton – just a line of clarity and fruit purity that doesn't need description. Fine tannins and that wild violet lift over a firm textured depth of fruit, all in perfect harmony. (Outstanding Pauillac, Decanter.) Drinking range: 2022 - 2045 Rating: 95+ Steven Spurrier (Apr 2015)

The nose has a fragrant floral charm spring violets and the start of the palate has bilberry and bramble freshness lots of bright fruit. Rich in the middle the sweet cassis supported by fine tannins the back palate fleshy and supple. There is an underlying freshness and brightness but the finish has depth with black fruited richness. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 94-97 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Apr 2015)

A wine that proves that Bordeaux doesn't have to be full bodied to have concentration and ageing potential, this is a gloriously refined red that doesn't show its 100% new oak. Stylish tannins, fine red and black fruits and palate-cleansing acidity are framed by attractive oak. One of the wines of the year. (One of Tim's Top 10 Left Bank Reds.) Drinking range: 2022 - 2035 Rating: 97 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2015)

Very backward, with loads of cedar, espresso and juniper out front, while the core of currant and blackberry fruit stays in reserve. Shows ample grip on the finish, but this is fine-grained and exhibits superb cut. Tasted non-blind. Rating: 94-97 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2015)

I love the sexy, perfumed and feminine style to this young Lafite with rose petals, rose stems and currants. Full body, super fine tannins and a wonderful finish. Lasts for a very, very long time. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2015)