-
96
/ 100
Wine Enthusiast -
95
/ 100
James Suckling -
95
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
94
/ 100
Wine Spectator
Red
Classification
Cabernet Blend
Variety
2012
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Medoc
Region
14.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
96 / 100"Showing the serious side of Lafite, this is big and dark, powered by tannins as much as fruit. The wood aging is still showing, although that will integrate into the great structure that holds up the ripe black currant fruits. Totally dominated by some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, this wine has strength while also having great freshness. Drink from 2024."
- Wine Enthusiast
95 / 100
"Superb structure for the vintage with blackcurrants, cedar, mushroom and sweet tobacco character. Full-bodied yet reserved and tight with an impressive density. Long finish."
- James Suckling
95 / 100
"The classically styled 2012 exhibits attractive elegance, medium body and outstanding concentration, but not the complexity and depth or prodigious qualities of many other recent Lafites. It is a relatively soft, spicy effort displaying notes of crushed rocks, white chocolate, black currants and graphite. It should be drinkable in 5-8 years and last for two decades. Charles Chevalier was candid in saying that the tropical heat wave, along with the poor flowering resulted in intense labor in the vineyard and during the harvest where triage was the operative word, and had to be done thoroughly and consistently. The 2012 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot, was the result of a harvest that took place between September 28 and October 9 for the Merlot, October 9-16 for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The small amount of Cabernet Franc included in the Carruades de Lafite was harvested on October 11 - 12. Only 38% of the production made it into the grand vin. If the 2012 fills out completely it could turn out similar to the 1998 Lafite."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
94 / 100
"This has a dark, smoky edge from the start, with smoldering tobacco and grilled savory notes lining the core of steeped plum, macerated black currant and lightly mulled cherry fruit. Shows a loamy, smoky edge to the finish, with the tobacco hint peeking out. Has admirable range, depth and grip, with just a twinge of the vintage’s austerity lurking."
- Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
The venerable 2012 vintage of Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild emerges as a testament to the resilient character of the château's terroir amidst the challenges presented by the growing season. A year marked by contrasts, 2012 began with unwelcoming cold snaps and ended with a sublime Indian summer. Such climatic caprices intricately wove into the fabric of this vintage's persona. Despite the tumultuous weather pattern that year, the exceptional savoir-faire of Chateau Lafite Rothschild facilitated a splendid rendition of their flagship label. One discerns, upon decanting, a poised dance between restraint and complexity – a signature stillness before the deeply aromatic tempest unfurls its array of dark fruits and refined oak nuances. The 2012 Lafite Rothschild offers an olfactory bouquet with layers that seem to transcend the very notion of dimension. Blackcurrant and graphite notes command immediate attention, underpinned by subplots of cigar box and a whisper of violets. On the palate, the wine is harmoniously balanced—a testament to the master blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—and reveals tannins that are both noble and neatly resolved, pointing towards excellent ageing potential. Indeed, for investors, this vintage represents an intriguing opportunity; a year somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours yet poised for commendation upon maturity. To taste the 2012 Lafite Rothschild now begins to unfurl its chronological tapestry but give it time, and one anticipates nuances that will beautifully burgeon with each passing annum. The sapid conclusion suggests an ensemble cast from the estate’s repository of vintages, affirming once again why this château's releases are lionised within Bordeaux circles. For those seeking to diversify their portfolio with a Pauillac possessing a unique narrative – shaped by the capricious whims of nature, yet masterfully crafted into elegance – the 2012 Lafite Rothschild merits serious consideration.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity