2009 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2009 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2009 vintage for Bordeaux was one that seasoned collectors have both marvelled at and coveted. Within the prestigious catalogues of the region's offerings, the 2009 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild stands as a testament to the exceptional climatic conditions that graced Pauillac this vintage year.
Vintage Indelibility: The 2009 Pauillac Pedigree
The 2009 season heralded an almost perfect alignment of the stars for winemakers in Bordeaux. With an undeniably warm summer and a timely, dry September, vintners were presented with grapes of impeccable ripeness and balance. The 2009 Lafite Rothschild has benefitted magnificently from this serendipity, presenting an assemblage that resonates with the Pauillac terroir's quintessence.
The Epitome of Elegance: Investment-Calibre Wine
The 2009 Lafite Rothschild encapsulates the opulence of matured blackcurrant bouquets mingled with distinct notes of cedar and subtle hints of graphite—signatures of a top-tier Pauillac withdrawn at its peak. On the palate, the wine strikes a harmonious chord between power and refinement; robust tannins are seamlessly integrated, paving the way for a profound and lengthy finish.
For investors, finding wines that stand at the confluence of storied heritage and exceptional vintage can often be Sisyphean. Yet the 2009 Lafite Rothschild offers just such an opportunity—a velvety portfolio centrepiece, potentially bountiful in returns as it continues to captivate enthusiasts and appreciators alike.
Securing a Slice of Vinous History
A bottle of 2009 Lafite Rothschild is more than a mere consumable; it is a slice of vinous history, a beacon of Bordeaux's storied legacy in fine winemaking. A vintage such as this, nurtured by favourable climatic whimsy and shaped by skilled hands, emerges only once in a while—meriting serious consideration for any discerning wine investment strategy.
In conclusion, whether poised elegantly in a collector's cellar or served at the apex of a grand celebration, the 2009 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild stands as one of those rare creations—where time-honoured tradition meets an almost magical vintage year—to yield an enological gem worthy of both admiration and investment.
Current market price
$11,650.10
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
350
Scores and tasting notes
The second you put your nose in the glass, you know that it is 100 points. The combination of sweet tobacco, fresh flowers, currants and sultanas on the nose leaves me breathless. Turns to cocoa powder and freshness. The palate re-enforces the show, with phenomenally polished tannins. Fabulous class. Could be a remake of the phenomenal 1959. Try in 2022.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 14th 2012
The main reason the 2009 Lafite Rothschild did not receive a perfect score is because the wine has closed down slightly, but it is unquestionably another profound Lafite, their greatest wine since the amazing 2003. Among the most powerful Lafites ever made (it came in at 13.59% alcohol), the final blend was 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. The selection was incredibly severe with only 45% of the crop being utilized. A tight, but potentially gorgeous nose of graphite, black currants, licorice and camphor is followed by a full-bodied wine revealing the classic elegance, purity and delineated style of Lafite. It is phenomenally concentrated with softer tannins than the 2005, the 2003's voluptuous, broad, juicy personality, and low acidity. There are several vintages that I thought were a replay of their colossal 1959, most notably 1982 and 2003, but 2009 is also one to keep an eye on. It is still extremely youthful and seems slightly more backward than I would have guessed based on the barrel tastings, but it needs 10-15 years of bottle age, and should last for 50+.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #199 February 2012
The deep garnet colored 2009 Lafite Rothschild bursts from the glass with red and black currant preserves, warm plums, mulberries and kirsch scents plus suggestions of sweaty leather, cigar box and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and firmly structured, it has wonderful freshness and a long earthy/meaty finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 14 March 2019
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. Unfortunately we were afforded just one bottle of the Lafite '09, which is a pity because I (and many others) would have wished to re-taste it. This has a lifted bouquet with blackberry, sous-bois and a touch of dried herbs. Good fruit concentration here, Graves-like, complex with peripheral marmalade aromas emerging with time. The palate is full-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, slightly lower acidity, smooth and harmonious with a luscious, almost texturally honeyed finish. To be honest, I was expecting a little more from the 2009 and I hope that more breeding and terroir expression will seep through with time. Tasted January 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013