2009 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pre-Arrival Offer

Often seen as the most elegant of the First Growth wines, Chateau Lafite Rothschild has long been considered one of the greatest wines from not only Bordeaux, but from anywhere in the world. Prices too reflect its status as the most collectable wine in Bordeaux, spurred on since 2008 when it ruled the Chinese fine wine market. While the vineyards are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, each year the proportions vary according to the vintage, normally with Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for 80-90% of the blend.

"The 2009 Lafite-Rothschild appears to be improving with age to the point where against form, I actually think it has the edge over the 2010." - Neal Martin, Vinous

Other Reviews....
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. Drink 2019-2049.
97 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Mar 2019)

The 2009 Lafite-Rothschild appears to be improving with age to the point where against form, I actually think it has the edge over the 2010. It is certainly deeper in colour and exhibits more fruit than the succeeding vintage with blackberry, bilberry, fresh mint and classic pencil lead aromas. The aromatics feel full and complete. The palate is very well balanced with impressive density – not always a facet of Lafite-Rothschild. The 2009 is a powerful wine, with allspice and cracked black pepper towards the weighty, assertive and exuberant finish. Perhaps in the long run the 2009 will be overtaken by the 2010 but at this moment, I would not bet against the staying power of this stupendous First Growth. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild 150th anniversary dinner at the estate. Drink 2020-2050.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous (May 2018)

This is what the Medoc is all about. The freshness and delicacy of this wine in combination with its serious concentration and firm core are totally stunning. Time has already worked its magic and this is already delicious, but has decades in front of it. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)
100 points
James Suckling (Feb 2019)

This wine is stunningly impressive but almost the opposite of the 2010 vintage. The year offered a warm, wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer and cool nights in September, giving a riper, more generous impression. A bit of smoke and spice on the initial attack with a ripe, plummy fruit character that is more black than red and a supple, dense richness on the palate that lingers sumptuously on the finish. This vintage will drink sooner than the 2010, yet should easily last as long. The finished wine is a blend of 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and a half-percent of Petit Verdot. Picking began in mid-September for the Merlot and early October for the Cabernet, with 45% of the fruit going into the grand vin. Drink 2032-2082.
99 points
Charles Curtis MW - Decanter (Mar 2022)

Elegant, fresh, vibrant, lively, focused and refined, there is a beautiful purity to the fruit found here. Classic Pauillac here, but the wine is also lush and almost opulent in nature. Medium/full-bodied, with delicious array of red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, crushed stone, smoke and crisp red fruits in the end note, this beauty demands at least 15 more years to start delivering its true potential. The wine was made from blending 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and .5% Cabernet Franc. This is the highest percentage of Merlot in the blend since 1995. The wine reached 13% ABV.
99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider (Sept 2019)

Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in February 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.