Château Lafite-Rothschild 1998

98 / 100 Robert Parker
A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, this wine represents only 34% of Lafite's total harvest. In a less than perfect Medoc vintage, it has been spectacular since birth, putting on more weight and flesh over the last year. This opaque purple-colored 1998 is close to perfection. The spectacular nose of lead pencil, smoky, mineral, and black currant fruit soars majestically from the glass. The wine is elegant yet profoundly rich, revealing the essence of Lafite's character. The tannin is sweet, and the wine is spectacularly layered yet never heavy. The finish is sweet, super-rich, yet impeccably balanced and long (50+ seconds). Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035.
Wine Advocate #134 Apr 2001

95 / 100 Wine Spectator
Amazing aromas of crushed blackberries, toasted oak and currant, spices. Really a great nose. Full-bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a long, long finish. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Superb. Best wine of the Médoc, without a doubt.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2011. 21,665 cases made.
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16 / 20 Jancis Robinson
Savoury and bone dry and quite delicate, with very soft tannins already on the palate. Refined but in minor key.
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