Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2009 (RP99)

 

Red Meats: Ideal with classic meat dishes such as grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or game. Its structure complements the richness of these meats.

Poultry: Pairs well with duck or roasted chicken, especially when prepared with rich sauces.

Rich Fish: Suitable for pairing with richer fish dishes like tuna or salmon.

Cheese: Complements aged cheeses such as Comté or a selection of hard cheeses."

 

 

99 points by Robert Parker, Wine Advocate review date: 2012
"The 2009 Lafite Rothschild is a wine of breathtaking elegance and regal composure. It unfurls with a mesmerizing bouquet of crème de cassis, liquid violets, freshly sharpened pencils, and an ethereal waft of crushed river stones—a signature of Pauillac’s terroir. On the palate, it is both voluptuous and precise, with layers of black cherry, truffle, and cigar box spices woven into a tapestry of ultra-fine tannins. The acidity is vibrant but perfectly integrated, lending freshness to its monumental depth. The finish lingers for over a minute, echoing with hints of graphite and licorice. This is a Lafite that marries the opulence of 2009 with the château’s classic restraint. While approachable now, its structural brilliance suggests peak drinking between 2030–2060."

 

100 points by James Suckling, Wine Spectator review date: 2018
"A perfect wine. The 2009 Lafite is a masterpiece of harmony, where every element—fruit, tannin, acidity, oak—exists in flawless proportion. The nose erupts with blackberry compote, Havana tobacco, and a touch of cedar, followed by subtler notes of crushed rose petals and wet slate. On the palate, it’s both dense and weightless, like liquid velvet, with a mid-palate density that coats the senses without heaviness. The tannins are present but dissolve into a finish of staggering length, leaving impressions of dark chocolate, espresso, and a whisper of sea salt. This is a wine for the ages; drinkable now with decanting, but its true majesty will emerge after 2040."