On another level and one of the greatest young Bordeaux I’ve ever tasted, the 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot raised in new oak. It takes the classic elegance and class of Lafite and turns the dial up to 11, offering a massive, heavenly array of blackcurrants, cedar pencil, graphite, tobacco, and incense aromas and flavors that soar from the glass. Deep, full-bodied, and flawlessly constructed, with perfectly integrated fruit, acidity, and tannins, this is legendary stuff all the way. It will be drinkable in 7-8 years and keep for 50-75 years or more. Along with Mouton, it’s the wine of the vintage from the Médoc. Hats off to director Eric Kohler.
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019)
Graphite, cherries, tobacco and cedar on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, subdued and elegant, showing harmony, refined fruit, freshness and tannins that are polished and focused in the finish of generous, polished fruit. A beautiful, elegant, balanced Pauillac. Drinking exceptionally well now, but it will go on and on. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
100 points, Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling (Jan 2026)
Classically trained and expressed Lafite, layers upon layers of crayon, slate, graphite, cigar box, grilled earth, campfire, raspberry, cassis, redcurrant, this is making adjectives pour fourth, and you'll be very very happy if you get hold a bottle of this. Brilliant, a glorious Lafite that can easily go for decades. 100% new oak, Eric Kohler technical director.
100 points, Jane Anson (Feb 2026)
The 2016 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with 15% of the press wine contributing to the blend this year. Deep purple-black in color, it slowly reveals the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, lilacs, black raspberries and warm blackcurrants with underlying nuances of cigar box, rose hip tea, cloves, licorice and pencil lead plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied and built like a brick house with a firm yet beautifully ripe, finely pixelated tannic backbone and seamless freshness supporting the amazing intensity of black fruits and floral layers, it finishes very long and provocatively perfumed.
99 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Nov 2018)
Almost entirely Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine beautifully sums up the density and the richness of this variety in Pauillac. It is impressive, made even more so in this vintage by the ripeness of the tannins, the beautiful, plush fruit and enormous promise. Drink this wine from 2026. Its aging potential is enormous.
99 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2019)
Elegant and concentrated, giving much on the palate though initially not highly expressive. Aromas of dark fruit combine with supremely refined structure and poise, yet there is undeniable power behind the elegance. The palate is seamless, balanced and harmonious, leading to a long, lingering finish. Stunning, this displays refinement, depth and extraordinary length, showcasing Lafite’s classic elegance and enduring sophistication.
99 points, Gareth Birchley, Decanter (Mar 2026)
The 2016 Lafite-Rothschild has a straight-down-the-line classic Pauillac bouquet with ebullient black fruit, graphite and sous-bois scents, the most classical of the First Growths. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Lovely balance, gentle grip, perhaps not quite as complex on the finish as Latour, holding something back for now. Classical restraint. Tasted at the 10-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index.
98+ points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Apr 2026)
This offers the best of both sides of Pauillac, with a deep, deep well of dark currant, fig, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors forming a lush side while a series of I-beams made of graphite and iron provide the rigid structure. The two sides meld, pulling in extra sweet tobacco, smoldering cast iron, juniper and savory notes on the finish, leaving a mouthwatering feel. A real stunner. Best from 2025 through 2045. 16,000 cases made.
98 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2019)
Very nice, round and jammy, with a strawberry like nose, fresh and juicy and velvety the 2016 Lafite Rothschild is a great glass of wine. There are notes of cedar, cigar box, smoke and a large river of rich, subtle fruit underneath. As always, Lafite has a bit more high-toned and elegant expression than Mouton with its silky, velvety and long aftertaste. This should turn into a classic and as with the other big wines, it still requires at least a decade of cellaring to show its best.
98 points, Ivar Bjurner, Wine Independent (Jan 2026)
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