1981 Château Lafite Rothschild

Delicious, ripe and silky; solid Lafite. Tobacco and berry aromas and flavors. Has medium body with fine tannins and a medium finish.--The Bordeaux 50. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

This wine is close to full maturity, but it is capable of holding for another two decades. It reveals the classic Lafite bouquet of red and black fruits, cedar, fruitcake, and tobacco-like aromas. In the mouth, this medium ruby/garnet-colored wine displays a delicacy of fruit and sweet attack, but subtle, well-defined flavors ranging from tobacco, cigar box, cedar, and fruitcake. This is a savory, soft Lafite-Rothschild that is pleasing to both the intellect and the palate. Anticipated maturity: Now-2018. Last tasted 3/97.

- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (01/1998)