Since 1975, this chateau, lauded by wine enthusiasts the world over, has been producing magnificent wines under the proactive management of Eric de Rothschild. Lafite's top wine is not the most outgoing of Pauillac wines, but its exceptional finesse, which appears after 15 to 30 years in the cellar, sets it apart, justifying its Premier Grand Cru classé status. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2008 boasts a wonderful aromatic complexity and exudes a distinctive cedar aroma in particular, which is much appreciated by enthusiasts. Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum.
