Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2005 Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classé Single Bottle

Country: France Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Vintage: 2005 Colour: Red 

Producer: Château Lafite-Rothschild

Description: 

Chateau Lafite 2005 has never been sold in Ireland before at this price. As the stock is currently in the cellar at the winery, you can be sure that the storage and provenance is second to none. If you ever wanted to try the wine, perhaps this is that chance – given it received a perfect 100 point score from James Suckling! I have included all critic ratings below which show that this first growth excelled in one of Bordeaux great vintages in memory.

100 points James Suckling
"An incredible nose, so subtle with red fruits, mint, minerals, and all sorts of flowers give way to Cohiba cigar tobacco. The palate has such freshness and density, with perfectly polished tannins. Slightly leathery, like a wonderful Hermes bag. What a wine, please leave this for another ten years." — February 2011

99 points Decanter
"A wine worthy of superlatives, the 2005 Lafite showed incredible concentration yet a superb balance. The lovely blackcurrant and plum fruit shows a fragrant floral edge, hints of oak spice, and a firm, earthy underpinning. The texture is superbly elegant, with a lovely freshness and a lilting, silky finish, yet it does not lack a tannic grip, and the finish is satisfyingly long. Near perfection. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot with just a drop of Petit Verdot, aged in new casks." — CC, June 2021

99 points Wine Enthusiast
"Initially dense, almost black enough to be attacked with a knife. But then it becomes apparent that this is a beautifully integrated, balanced wine, bringing together power, with the hallmark Lafite style and poise. In the end, you have a wine that promises an impressive aging potential along with delicious black currant fruits, acidity, and a layer of striking tannins." — RV, June 2008
Cellar Selection

98 points Wine & Spirits
"Lafite is the most elegant of the firsts in 2005; it also may be the most romantic. The wine's heady scent of new oak rises in harmony with the succulent red fruit. Then the tannins come on with a gentle roar, layering the perception of flavors in subtle shadings. There's not a trace of the hyperintensity that so many young 2005s wear as if required for their longevity. The stones of Lafite grow something more numinous than that, a wine with the power to strike an emotional chord through taste. This will be one of the longest lived wines of 2005." — October 2008

98 points Wine Spectator
"Delivers blackberry, dried porcini, tobacco and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and loads of dark chocolate, cigar box, currant, berry, and mineral. The finish is long, with a coffee, almost meaty, aftertaste. Very beautiful and balanced." — JS, March 2008