2012 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
-
S$1,26795
Vintage: 2012
Region: Pauillac
Country: France
Winemaker Notes
Intense, deep crimson color. The nose is dense with aromas of red and black fruit, boxwood and spicy notes. This wine is also dense on the palate with fine intensity and has a very complex finish.
About Winery
Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one of the largest vineyards in the Médoc, was one of four Bordeaux wine-producing chateau awarded First Growth status in the 1855 classification. The estate spans 107 hectares and produces roughly 35,000 cases per year. Grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon (which accounts for 70% of the vineyard and around 80—90% of the finished wine), Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
The chateau produces 3 wines in total: First Growth Chateau Lafite Rothschild, a second wine called Carruades de Lafite and a third (a Pauillac) made from Lafite Rothschild and Duhart Milon declassified fruit. Around 15-25,000 of the grand vin is produced by the estate every year.
Winemaker Notes
Intense, deep crimson color. The nose is dense with aromas of red and black fruit, boxwood and spicy notes. This wine is also dense on the palate with fine intensity and has a very complex finish.
2012 was characterized by difficult weather conditions in the Bordeaux region
After a relatively mild winter, the spring was mostly wet and rainy, especially April, with a hail storm on the 24th. Such conditions hampered fertilization, leading to fears of reduced yields. Work in the vineyard was as vital as ever.
June and July alternated heat and humidity. The weather became more stable from the beginning of August, enabling the healthy grapes to finish ripening in good conditions.
Nevertheless, there was considerable variation in their degrees of ripeness and a great deal of sorting work was carried out by our teams from the end September.
About Winery
Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one of the largest vineyards in the Médoc, was one of four Bordeaux wine-producing chateau awarded First Growth status in the 1855 classification. The estate spans 107 hectares and produces roughly 35,000 cases per year. Grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon (which accounts for 70% of the vineyard and around 80—90% of the finished wine), Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
The chateau produces 3 wines in total: First Growth Chateau Lafite Rothschild, a second wine called Carruades de Lafite and a third (a Pauillac) made from Lafite Rothschild and Duhart Milon declassified fruit. Around 15-25,000 of the grand vin is produced by the estate every year.
Despite inevitable dips after the price soar, prices for Lafite continue to be high—not just in China but the world over. In fact with an average price tag of over £700 per bottle, Lafite Rothschild is one of the world’s most expensive wines.
96 points Wine Enthusiast
Showing the serious side of Lafite, this is big and dark, powered by tannins as much as fruit. The wood aging is still showing, although that will integrate into the great structure that holds up the ripe black currant fruits. Totally dominated by some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, this wine has strength while also having great freshness. Drink from 2024. *Cellar Selection* (RV) 
(5/2015)
95 points James Suckling
Superb structure for the vintage with blackcurrants, cedar, mushroom and sweet tobacco character. Full-bodied yet reserved and tight with an impressive density. Long finish. (2/2015)
94 points Wine Spectator
This has a dark, smoky edge from the start, with smoldering tobacco and grilled savory notes lining the core of steeped plum, macerated black currant and lightly mulled cherry fruit. Shows a loamy, smoky edge to the finish, with the tobacco hint peeking out. Has admirable range, depth and grip, with just a twinge of the vintage’s austerity lurking. (JM) (1/2015)
