Magnum Château Lafite Rothschild - Pauillac 1988 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe11/30/1998

Slightly disappointing for Lafite, this has medium body, fine tannins and pretty aromas and flavors of tobacco, cedar and fruit. Though lacking in fruit and tannin concentration, it's elegant and supple, giving plenty of pleasure.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe10/31/1994

Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-colored wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/1/1993

The 1988 Lafite continues to offer persuasive evidence that it is the wine of the Medoc, as well as a top candidate for the wine of the vintage. Much deeper in color than the 1989, the 1988 has the classic Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild does not enjoy the acclaim of the 1982, 1986, 1989, and 1990, but do not be surprised to see it rivaling those wines in 15-20 years. The wine of the vintage? Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035. Last tasted, 6/93.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/1/1993

Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. Deeper in color than the 1989, the 1988 has the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035.