This lot is comprised of 1 bottle(s) of 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac - 750ml. Estimate for this lot is between $900 - $1200 with a reserve of $650. The wine in this lot belongs to collection 11607.
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A consignor from Alberta whose interest in fine wine piqued in university after tasting a great bottle at an event. Shortly after earning his master’s degree, he began collecting in earnest, fueled by a year in London that allowed for frequent trips to France and a deeper appreciation of its remarkable terroir. Over the years, his collection grew, sourced through the ALB and numerous journeys to the renowned wine regions of France, Italy, Napa, Sonoma, and the Willamette Valley. Each bottle was stored in his climate-controlled cellar prior to auction.
The rating for 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac is 98 points from Robert Parker and the tasting note - The 1996 Lafite-Rothschild was remarkably deep in color considering that it is now 20 years in age. The bouquet is classic Pauillac with pencil shavings and sous-bois infusing the black fruit, masculine and a little aloof, yet focused and very well delineated. The palate is very well balanced with crisp blackberry and boysenberry fruit, spicier than I recollect, a crescendo of flavors so that it seems understated at first but fans out with a sense of confidence towards the finish. I think this still has more to give so cellar it away for another 5-8 years if you can, but otherwise this is an exemplary Lafite-Rothschild that I can envisage getting better and better in bottle, if not quite as enthralling as either Mouton-Rothschild or Château Margaux.