Magnum Château Lafite Rothschild

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe3/15/2017

Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 1997 Lafite-Rothschild appears to be a wine that sparkled in its youth, but is not maturing with the grace and style of other vintages after almost 20 years. It has a well-defined bouquet with crushed strawberry, wet sand and light tobacco notes that gradually unfurl. I appreciate the precision here - typical Lafite-Rothschild. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry, a little foursquare with some dryness towards the attenuated finish. It feels bound together by the fine thread of acidity, yet the long and short of it is that while its descent will be gradual, it will not repay continued bottle ageing. Tasted December 2016.

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

Only 26% of the crop made it into the final blend, resulting in only 15,000 cases of the 1997 Lafite-Rothschild. Readers should not ignore this wine because of the negative press surrounding the 1997 vintage. It boasts an opaque dense purple color in addition to a gorgeously sweet, expansive perfume of cedar wood, black currants, lead pencil, and minerals. What follows is a fat mid-palate, medium body, explosive fruit and richness, soft tannin, and a velvety texture. It is a beautiful, compelling Lafite-Rothschild that can be drunk young, yet promises to evolve for 15+ years. Although one of the most forward Lafites ever tasted, it is all the more captivating because of this characteristic. Don't miss it!

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/2000

Wonderfully complex on the nose, with licorice, spice, berry and tobacco character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicious finish. Drink now through 2005.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/1/1999

I thought the 1997 Lafite-Rothschild to be one of the vintage's stars. Made in a precocious style, not very massive and concentrated, it possesses aromas of lead pencil, minerals, plums, and black currant fruit. Exhibiting surprising richness, a supple texture, medium body, and delicious purity and ripeness, this light-styled but beautiful Lafite-Rothschild should be ready to drink in 3-5 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/1/1998

The 1997 Lafite-Rothschild may turn out to be a modern day replay of the glorious 1976. Complex, with considerable finesse, elegance, and a sexy, approachable style, this dark ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied wine already reveals copious quantities of the tell-tale Lafite scents of mineral, lead pencil, and cedar. This rich yet graceful Lafite displays no trace of aggressiveness or hardness. It is an approachable, lush wine that will evolve quickly, yet keep for 15-20 years.