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1982 Lafite Rothschild
100 RP-HG
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$4,469.00
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Critic Reviews
The 1982 Lafite-Rothschild is a wine I have drunk several times, though maybe this is the first time in magnum. It is deeply impressive. Deep in colour, it has a classic Pauillac nose with intense black fruit mixed with pencil shavings and black truffles. It simply oozes class. The palate is very well balanced with finely-chiselled tannins, spellbinding definition and immense, dare I say it, almost "Latour-like" stature on the persistent finish. Magnificent. Tasted at the 1982 Dinner at Hatched.
Vinous Media | 98 VM
As with the last time I drank this wine two years ago, it is still full of life and energy, with that classic Lafite quality of effortless drinkability. Utterly moreish, it has an amazing cinnamon-edged spice, rich and slightly exotic with brick-red colouring. To recap what we all know to have been a great season, 1982 saw a dry and mild spring, allowing an excellent flowering followed by a dry and hot summer with regular small showers and fresher nights in August. It was an easy harvest that saw an early and large crop, and in the vat rooms they say, it smelt of hot fruit jam. Baron Eric’s memories say it all: ’The last day of harvest was a Friday and we knew right away how good the fruit in the tanks was. Everyone was in a great mood, the whole harvest felt like fun.’ Drinking Window 2018 - 2040.
Decanter | 98 DEC
This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.
Robert Parker | 97+ RP
I am impressed with the loads of ripe fruit with almost dried raspberries and blackberries and a minty undertone on the nose. It’s full bodied, with bay leaf, berries that turn to mineral undertones. It’s full-bodied, with round tannins and a lingering finish of chocolate, cedar and other woods. I would leave it another three to four years to soften and open just a tiny bit; otherwise, decant three hours in advance.
James Suckling | 96 JS
Dark ruby red. Mineral, berry and mint. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. A silky, seductive wine.--Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now.
Wine Spectator | 94 WS
Vinous Media | 98 VM
As with the last time I drank this wine two years ago, it is still full of life and energy, with that classic Lafite quality of effortless drinkability. Utterly moreish, it has an amazing cinnamon-edged spice, rich and slightly exotic with brick-red colouring. To recap what we all know to have been a great season, 1982 saw a dry and mild spring, allowing an excellent flowering followed by a dry and hot summer with regular small showers and fresher nights in August. It was an easy harvest that saw an early and large crop, and in the vat rooms they say, it smelt of hot fruit jam. Baron Eric’s memories say it all: ’The last day of harvest was a Friday and we knew right away how good the fruit in the tanks was. Everyone was in a great mood, the whole harvest felt like fun.’ Drinking Window 2018 - 2040.
Decanter | 98 DEC
This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.
Robert Parker | 97+ RP
I am impressed with the loads of ripe fruit with almost dried raspberries and blackberries and a minty undertone on the nose. It’s full bodied, with bay leaf, berries that turn to mineral undertones. It’s full-bodied, with round tannins and a lingering finish of chocolate, cedar and other woods. I would leave it another three to four years to soften and open just a tiny bit; otherwise, decant three hours in advance.
James Suckling | 96 JS
Dark ruby red. Mineral, berry and mint. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. A silky, seductive wine.--Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now.
Wine Spectator | 94 WS
Wine Details for 1982 Lafite Rothschild
| Type of Wine |
Bordeaux Red
: Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red |
|---|---|
| Varietal |
Proprietary Blend
: Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend. |
| Country |
France
: Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive. |
| Region |
Bordeaux
: Even among the greatest and most reputable wine regions on the planet, Bordeaux stands above the rest. The winemakers of this region have a single-minded dedication to the fine art of viticulture and their efforts never fail to show. If you consider yourself a fine wine enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to visit Bordeaux - life changing. Whether you wish to drink some inspirational and gripping wine as soon as possible, or you want to add some masterpieces to your collection, no region on Earth is a more obvious choice. The noble and beautiful Garonne and Dordogne rivers surge through southwestern France, enriching the soil in a way very few other places can boast. The limestone-based earth is rich in calcium, and the almost oceanic climate conditions give the staple Bordeaux grape varietals vigor and flavor like nowhere else. For their illustrious reds, Bordeaux winemakers rely on a proven combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Meanwhile, a sip of their excellent white wine hints at the use of Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc.Each of these varietals carries a unique identity, making every quality wine a character piece to rival Citizen Kane. It can be incredibly hard to choose only a few wines to collect for your cellar! |
| Subregion | Left Bank |
| Appellation | Pauillac |
| Cru | First Growth |
Overview
| Producer |
Chateau Lafite Rothschild
: In the farthest northern corner of Pauillac, a stone’s throw from the appellation of Saint Estephe, resides a wine estate of great renown, with exceptional terroir and a truly magical allure. Its superb qualities have been written about for centuries, portrayed in modern day films and has been considered the greatest wine on earth by wine professionals and enthusiasts alike. Truly, the world of wine would not be what it is today without the existence of one of the greatest estates in the world: Chateau Lafite Rothschild wines are simply paramount. Hailing from the greatest appellation (Pauillac) in the most respected and important (arguably) region in the world, Bordeaux; Lafite has been a symbol of excellence since its inception. Over the course of its very long, rich and interesting history, Chateau Lafite has become one of the most successful, admired and sought after wines in the world. Its prominence is known the world over; however, an estate does not reach the apex overnight. The legend of Lafite dates back to the year 1234, with the first mention of Gombaud de Lafite, abbot of the Vertheuil Monastery and feudal lord of the eponymous fief, Lafite (meaning “hillock” in the Gascon language). At the time of the Lafite fiefdom, most of the property was used for harvesting grain and crops for cattle. When the Segur family acquired the property in the 17th Century, it is most likely had existing grape vineyards. However, Jacques de Segur is credited with the planting of the first Lafite vineyards in the 1670s, organizing the vineyards and earning the estate a great reputation by the late 1690s. Jacques de Segur’s heir Alexandre, married the heiress of Chateau Latour, who gave birth to Nicolas-Alexandre de Segur, thus joining the two fiefs (chateaux) and beginning their histories together. Chateau Lafite’s first market appearance occurred in the official London Gazette in 1707, where it was being sold at public auction, after being seized by British corsairs, as well as the British Royal Navy. The wine and its counterparts were described as “New French Clarets”. Afterward, the Prime Minister of Britain, purchased a barrel of Lafite every three months. This affair, only propelled the legend of Lafite only further. Nicolas-Alexandre had consolidated Lafite’s initial success, improving winemaking techniques and above all, enhancing the prestige of the wines in the foreign markets. He became known as “The Wine Prince” and Lafite’s wines, “The King of Wines”. It became the subject of much discussion at Versailles, honored as it was by the king’s high approval. By the time of his death, Nicolas-Alexandre had established a well-respected and world renowned estate. It was considered a “Premier Cru of Medoc” by 1797 and would later be classified as a First Growth in the Official Classification of 1855. In 1868, the now coveted First Growth was purchased by Baron James de Rothschild, placing it in the hands of one of the most successful and influential families in Europe. Sadly, Baron James passed away just three months later, leaving the responsibility of the estate to his three sons. As was the custom of the day, the heirs changed the name to Chateau Lafite Rothschild. The estate has been handed down from generation to generation and remains in family hands to this day. Today, Chateau Lafite Rothschild continues to command the attention of serious enthusiasts and collectors, producing one of the most collectible, investment grade wines in the world. Lafite currently has 112 hectares under vine and is planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It is important to note that the final blend is almost always close to 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. Annual production ranges between 15,000 to 20,000 cases, depending on the vintage. Lafite produces an elegant style of Pauillac, which shows qualities of cedar, cassis, tobacco, truffle, lead pencil and spice along with the freshness and purity of dark red fruits. It is, perhaps, the most refined of the First Growths. Rather than a show of power, Lafite focuses on its width of flavors and aromatic nuances. The wine takes decades to mature and has remarkable staying powers. Lafite is usually better after at least 15 years of bottle age and should reach its peak maturity between 15 and 60 years after the vintage. The 1982 Lafite is still considered a baby and will age gracefully until 2074; a truly remarkable feat that has allowed the estate to be recognized as one of the greatest investments in the world. A second wine is produced, Carruades de Lafite, taking its name from a specific section of their vineyard (Carruades Plateau) located near Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Due to its name and its association with the Grand Cru, it too has become extremely collectible. Carruades is one of the older second wines in Bordeaux, being first produced in the mid-1850s. A third wine is also produced and is sold as an AOC (Appellation of Origin Controlled) Pauillac that is produced from declassified fruit from both Lafite and Duhart Milon (also owned by the Rothschild family). The largest of the Fifth Growth estates (Lafite) is located in the far north of the Pauillac appellation, with only the small Jalle de Breuil stream separating the vineyards from the St. Estephe appellation. Most of the soil is composed of deep gravel, mixed with Aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone, well-drained and well-exposed to the sun. This exceptional terroir is a large part of the reason Lafite has such elegant, feminine textures and that coveted sensation of minerality. Chateau Lafite Rothschild wines are undoubtedly some of the finest creations on earth. The estate has become the benchmark for wineries around the world. Much like the wines, the Lafite name will continue to live on, pushing the entire wine industry towards greatness, simply by example. |
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