Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend

Very good for the vintage

Winemaker Eric Kohler recalled the 1999 Lafite-Rothschild as being born in a "sad summer." Personally, I have liked this First Growth since I first tasted it in barrel. Now 20 years old, it is beginning to show a little bricking on the rim. The bouquet is clean and detailed, with black currant, raspberry, melted tar and cedar developing in the glass (but less of the allspice that I observed in previous bottles). The palate is medium-bodied and maybe more compact than expected, possibly due to this being ex-cellar. While not a concentrated Lafite-Rothschild, it is very harmonious and elegant, brushed with a subtle pepperiness toward the finish and a tang of dried orange peel on the aftertaste. Delightful. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate. (Neal Martin, Vinous, September 2019)

We got to taste the 1999 vintage last night, chewy and meaty and oh so special. Thanks to the Jonas Brothers for leaving some in the bottle 😹

If I could give this 20 points would. My WOTN and the best wine I've had all year. This is in its sweet spot now. That perfect moment when the wine is showing its best. Thank you @Bob Bressler

1999 Lafite Rothschild, a ruby-hued beauty with a translucent rim—this bottle was incredibly fresh and vibrant on opening. Initially, seemingly more red fruit-driven, the nose evolved into a darker expression with time in the glass. Nuanced aromas of loamy earth, rose petal, black currant, and pencil shavings led into a wine that, while restrained and elegant, boasted ample sweetness at its core. Ultra-fine, polished tannins gave way to a medium-plus finish that culminated in bay leaf, cigar box, and spice.

This wine is still quite tannic with roasted coffee and lots of tannins

I brought this and thought it was in a slightly awkward place. It was not decanted because my day didn't allow it. It's dense, polished and profound but just not as expressive as I'd expect at this stage. I was not able to try it later in the night but I heard it opened up appreciably. Lots of baby fat. Decant or hold.

Big boy wine. And from a magnum.

You'd think we would have learned to decant it way earlier by now... Sort of weirdly disjointed.

Very light, classic.