David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

Masterclass in San Francisco with Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite.

The nose reveals; bright, very ripe, slightly candied; dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, blackberries notes and poached strawberries. Beautiful violet florals, black licorice, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, light graphite, saddle-wood, limestone minerals, dry stone, rich dark earth, just a touch of dry herbs with red, dark, blue flowers with violets.

Surprisingly fresh and soft for a Lafite this young. The fruits are lean, ripe and slightly creamy. Lively on the palate. The body light for Bordeaux and the tannins round and soft. The structure, tension softer for Lafite. The length and balance are excellent. Mouthfeel incredible. Bright, ripe, slightly candied; dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, blackberries notes and poached strawberries. Beautiful violet florals, black licorice, dark chocolate, caramel, dry brush, mocha, light graphite, saddle-wood, underbrush, dry crushed rocks, dark rich earth, just a touch of dry herbs with bright red, dark, blue flowers with violets. The acidy is perfect. The finish is smooth, soft, elegant and incredible balanced and persists on and on.

The most approachable young Lafite that I’ve had but, I’d still hold it for 20 plus years so shows more complexity and fully integrates.

All wines arrived weeks ago directly from the Chateau.

Photos of; the Crown Room on the 23rd floor of the Fairmont where the Masterclass was held, tasting set up, Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite presenting and another view of the city of San Francisco/Bay and the Golden Gate Bride in the background.
— a day ago

Paul B.

9.3

Dense-ish purple with multicolor rim tinged brown from age. Needed 45 minutes to open but didn’t disappoint and was easily the headline of the night. Deep dark black cherry was present but secondary to smokey earthy goodness. A flourish of tannins integrated beautifully and lingered. A rich, dense texture that will stay with me. But still soft and so so drinkable. Med plus body and med acidity. What a great treat for me and my wife (and in-laws). A solid “A” experience for my first (somewhat aged) Bordeaux. — 5 days ago

Shay A

9.2

Monthly WTF guys blind tasting group. This month was our annual, and famed, Left Bank vs Right Bank theme. All wines served blind as usual. Started off with a Rosé and a champagne. Great night.

This is in a good spot now, but will benefit from another 3-5years. A little modern in style as it seems Napa cab-esque...baked fruit spectrum (red, blue and black), graphite, and baking spices on the nose with herbal notes and bay leaf on the palate. I called this ‘12 Left Bank. Thanks @Jack Thompson . — 9 days ago

with Andrew, Jack and 6 others

Shay A

9.2

Very enjoyable Wednesday Wine Committee lunch today with @Weston Eidson & @Colby Siratt hosting. Same format as always...1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert wine all tasted blind.

This was plush and dense while also being very youthful and gripping. Dark fruit dominant. Black Forest cake, dark cocoa dusted dates, roasted plum and a touch of saddle leather. I called this left bank 2012 vintage. — a day ago

with Dan, Jeff and 3 others

Jay Kline

9.2

One of my favorite producers in all of Bordeaux, particularly when value enters the discussion. Dollar for delivered pleasure, this has few peers and yet, has the proven history to age gracefully for 30+ years. Dark fruits, cassis, tobacco, espresso, baking spices, earth. Finish is long and delicious. Tannins are still quite firm at this stage. Recommend an extended decant if possible. — 12 days ago

Shay A

9.2

Very enjoyable Wednesday Wine Committee lunch today with @Weston Eidson & @Colby Siratt hosting. Same format as always...1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert wine all tasted blind.

Lovely aromatics here. Mix of red and black fruit. Tar, pipe tobacco, graphite and black cherry cola. This picked up steam the longer it was open. I’d hold these. I called this left bank 2012 vintage. — a day ago

with Dan, Jeff and 3 others

Shay A

9.3

Monthly WTF guys blind tasting group. This month was our annual, and famed, Left Bank vs Right Bank theme. All wines served blind as usual. Started off with a Rosé and a champagne. Great night.

Another very good wine. Super soft. Tastes more modern in style. Ripe. Mixed berry pie, chocolate covered cherry cordials and pipe tobacco notes. Balances fruit and savory notes. With an extended decant, this is very enjoyable now, but will get better. I called this ‘14 Left Bank. Thanks @Colby Siratt . — 9 days ago

with Andrew, Jack and 6 others

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Masterclass with in San Francisco with Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite. Duhart-Milton is another property the Rothschild’s own.

The nose shows, bright, ripe, candied fruits with pleasant, bright florals. Blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, strawberries & pomegranate. Tobacco notes, leather, dry brush, limestone, crushed dry rocks, beautiful red, dark fresh florals with violets.

The body is full and shows the strength of the 15 vintage but, this is one should not be enjoyed at least for 10-15 years. Tannins are fine and firm. Ripe and slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, strawberries & pomegranate. Tobacco notes, leather, dry brush, limestone, crushed dry rocks, dry river stones, black dry earth, cedar, graphite, beautiful red, dark fresh florals with violets. The acidity is really good. The structure, tension, length and balance are good now but, show greater promise down the road. The finish is very good, well balanced, elegant and persists minutes.

All wines arrived weeks ago directly from the Chateau.

Photos of; the Crown Room on the 23rd floor of the Fairmont where the Masterclass was held, tasting set up, our double decanters and pourers and another view of the City and Bay with Alcatraz. — a day ago

Shay A

9.4

Monthly WTF guys blind tasting group. This month was our annual, and famed, Left Bank vs Right Bank theme. All wines served blind as usual. Started off with a Rosé and a champagne. Great night.

This was one of my favorites of the night. One of the best young Bordeaux’s I’ve tasted. Ripe and modern nose (fruit forward) with smoked meat and baked blackberry pie. The palate revealed cocoa/dark chocolate, baking spices and a hint of blue fruit wrapped by black fruit. Big. Will obviously get better, but was shocked how good this was now. I called this ‘12-14 Left Bank. — 9 days ago

with Andrew, Jack and 6 others

Bill Bender

9.8

Sweet Jesus was this firing on Thursday night! Contributed by the Iowa barrister who keeps the criminals on the street where they belong @Aaron Hamrock. It was ethereal. Sweet and exotic and just pure pure pure. Complex layers of smoky dark fruit, cedar, spice box. Rich, elegant and drinking beautifully. — 7 days ago