Château Lafite Rothschild 1998 is the estate's grand vin from Pauillac, one of Bordeaux's most distinguished appellations. A Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot, it comes from an estate recognised as a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification.
The 1998 vintage offers an opportunity to explore the character of mature Pauillac. Historical tasting notes provide a useful picture of the wine's development, although the experience of any individual bottle will depend on its condition and storage history.
Tasting Notes
The following tasting notes describe the historical character of the 1998 vintage, rather than a recent assessment of the individual bottle offered for sale.
Colour: Deep, dark red in the producer’s historical note.
Nose: Fruit, spice and oak aromas.
Palate: Broad, rich and persistent, with a substantial structure.
Finish: Long and silky.
Food Pairing
WSD suggests roast lamb, beef fillet, mushroom dishes or mature hard cheese. Keep the preparation relatively simple, allowing the food to complement the wine rather than overwhelm it.
Cellaring
Further cellaring should be considered in light of the individual bottle's condition and storage history. If sediment is present, allow it to settle before opening. Taste a small pour before deciding whether decanting is appropriate, rather than assuming that prolonged aeration will benefit a mature wine.
Vintage Conditions
A dry summer and hot August preceded a late-September to early-October harvest.
Vineyard Background
Château Lafite Rothschild lies in Pauillac on Bordeaux's Left Bank and is one of the five estates recognised today as First Growths under the 1855 classification. Its reputation has been built on Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines known for their structure, refinement and capacity to develop with age.
The Rothschild family's association with the château dates to 1868, when Baron James de Rothschild acquired the estate.
Winemaking
81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot; 20 months in new French oak.
Image Notice: Product images are for illustrative purposes only. The actual bottle, label, capsule and packaging may vary from those shown. Please refer to the product title and description for the specific vintage being offered.
