Lafite Rothschild 2004

A first-growth Pauillac from a vintage often called a sleeper year, Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2004 shows the estate's trademark finesse over outright power.

Robert Parker described the 2004 Lafite as offering precise notes of graphite, black cherries, cassis, scorched earth and minerals, medium to full-bodied with fabulous fruit, impressive richness, refreshing acidity and sweet, well-integrated tannin. Other tasters found hints of lead pencil, crushed rocks, flowers, creme de cassis and cranberries, with considerable finesse, length and ripeness for the vintage.

• Producer: Chateau Lafite Rothschild
• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Pauillac
• Vintage: 2004
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend (approximately 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, remainder Merlot)
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Style: Full-bodied dry red wine, now fully mature
• Critic score: 95 points, Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
• Serving temperature: 16-18C
• Decanting: Decant 30-45 minutes before serving to let the fruit open fully
• Food pairing: Roast rack of lamb, aged Comte, grilled beef fillet
• Storage: Store horizontally in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature
• Drinking window: Drinking beautifully now with further life to around 2034