20 Rene Gabriel
Kunz Fassprobe 17: (92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot) Konzentriertes, tiefgründiges, komplexes, elegantes Bouquet, kleinen, schwarze Beeren, Black Currant, Minze, dunkler Tabak, fein Lakritze, schwarzer Cassis. Ausgewogener, konzentrierter, eleganter, dichtverwobener Gaumen mit konzentrierter, feingliedriger, fein muskulöser Struktur, komprimierter, süsser Aromatik, sehr viel feinem Tannin, samtener Frucht, sehr langer, aromatischer Abgang.
99 Robert Parker
The 2016 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with 15% of the press wine contributing to the blend this year. Deep purple-black in color, it slowly reveals the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, lilacs, black raspberries and warm blackcurrants with underlying nuances of cigar box, rose hip tea, cloves, licorice and pencil lead plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied and built like a brick house with a firm yet beautifully ripe, finely pixelated tannic backbone and seamless freshness supporting the amazing intensity of black fruits and floral layers, it finishes very long and provocatively perfumed.
98 Wine Spectator
This offers the best of both sides of Pauillac, with a deep, deep well of dark currant, fig, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors forming a lush side while a series of I-beams made of graphite and iron provide the rigid structure. The two sides meld, pulling in extra sweet tobacco, smoldering cast iron, juniper and savory notes on the finish, leaving a mouthwatering feel. A real stunner. Best from 2025 through 2045. 16,000 cases made. — JM
97 Vinous
The 2016 Lafite-Rothschild was tasted from two bottles, the first demonstrating some signs of oxidation. The second is quite rich and powerful on the nose, offering blackberry, raspberry, black olive and sous-bois scents that are almost Pessac-Léognan in style. The palate is well balanced with firm, grippy tannins. It feels precise and poised, brimming over with energy and displaying a sense of control toward the lightly spiced, athletic finish. I would like the aromatics to be tempered, although that will happen with time. There is real breeding in this 2016, and it will mature in bottle over decades. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.