Château Lafite Rothschild 1992
Review of the Estate
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most renowned wine properties in the Médoc. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild is also one of the largest Médoc estates. The vineyards of Ch. Lafite are found at the northern tip of the Pauillac appellation, just below the boundary with St. Estephe.
There is evidence of an estate on this site as far back as the 14th century, and of exports of wine to the UK in the early 17th century. The current owners, the Rothschilds of the famous banking dynasty, bought the property in 1866, but this is a different side of the family from that which purchased Chateau Mouton Rothschild.
Vineyard
Surface area: 247 acres
Grape Varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
Average age of vines: 45 years
Density of plantation: 7,500 vines per hectare
Average yields: 48 hectolitres per hectare
Average cases produced: 17,500 per year
Plateau of maturity: 10-50 years
Château Lafite Rothschild 1992 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 96
In 1992 only 36% of the harvest was utilized, resulting in a deeply-colored wine with a nearly exceptional cedary, chocolatey, cassis-character, medium body, surprisingly concentrated flavors, as well as the classic Lafite aromatic profile. If discounted, readers should take the opportunity to experience Lafite's finesse in a softer, more precocious vintage. The 1992 Lafite should drink well in 2-3 years and last for 12-20.
James Suckling - Wine Spectator
Point Score: 89
A real achievement for the vintage, boasting plenty of fruit, tobacco and dark chocolate character. Full-bodied and velvety; impressive richness of ripe tannins. Better in 1997. -JS
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 88-90
Tasted alongside Chateau Latour 1992, this had a distinctly sweeter, fleshier nose with notes of pencil-lead, blackberry and damp earth. More high-toned than Latour. The palate is well-balanced, harmonious with silky tannins and moderate complexity. Notes of dried blood, Provencal herbs and tar. Quite Saint Julien in character with quite an exotic, colourful finish. Not a great Lafite, pipped by Latour, but fine for the vintage.