Wine Collecting: First Growth Bordeaux - Château Lafite Rothschild

[@jimhowaniec]

Thanks for the report, John, I went insane earlier this year and bought 22 bottles of 2016 Lafite "on sale" in tax free New Hampshire. I had not tried the wine from this vintage and made the entire purchase based on faith. Indeed, as you stated, it is the personification of "ethereal." My 100+ point cellar tracker review of 2016 Lafite: "So I bought 22 bottles of 2016 Chateau Lafite Rothschild on sale in tax free New Hampshire, without even having tasted one. I did this solely on faith, based on my past experiences with this property and with the 2016 vintage. My guess was that the combination of Lafite + 2016 would be something special. With my friend Nic from Quebec in town, it was time to crack one open. We popped and poured. It was obvious from the get-go that this is such a beautifully elegant Lafite, amazingly approachable and giving now, but obviously with the backbone to age for many decades. It was amazingly balanced. The color was a stunning Lafite ruby/purple, so identifiable over the years. Classy on the nose, with cedar and Pauillac lead pencil. It is 13% alcohol. It is stunningly smooth on the palate, an absolutely brilliant, brilliant, goose-bumps-inducing wine. As I told Nic: "It is so twenty-sixteen!" Absolutely stunning. Everything I look for in Bordeaux. I am thrilled to have 21 more bottles in the cellar, this is another example to me that Bordeaux is still alive and very well. Wow! What a Lafite. 2016, what a vintage. This may be the greatest wine I have ever tasted. Rating: 100+ points."

[@AttorneySomm]

That is amazing! So happy for you! Thanks very much for sharing that experience and your thoughts! 👍🍷

[@margauxml]

This is, indeed, everything Château Lafite. It’s impressive how you have encapsulated so much information and insights into a less than 11-minute video. On top of discussing the historical highlights and the milestones of this legendary Château, you also gave excellent, reliable advice and vintage recommendations. I think that’s very, very impressive - a remarkable feat in digital content creation especially in the world of wine which has so many subtopics and factors involved. Every part of this video is interesting, engaging, relevant, and valuable to and for all wine enthusiasts, regardless of preferences. Congratulations on this brilliant content, John! Santé!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much, Margaux! So pleased you enjoyed it! Truly appreciate the support and thoughtful feedback. I definitely try to distill these videos into dense discussions since everyone's time is valuable. Sante!

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm You’re always welcome, John! It’s my pleasure to support the best wine content creator/wine educator/wine influencer on social media. All the best on your future KZbin videos!

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

This is the year I experience these masterpieces. I'm 51 this year. Time to enjoy the best of human endeavors and art before I kick the bucket.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you for your comment. Looking forward to your thoughts!

[@lisalasoya2898]

I have not tried your delicacy in wine, but for a $1000.00 a bottle I am sure it is the most chic of wines.

[@AttorneySomm]

It is one of the top producers in the world and they do a terrific job. Many of my viewers wanted to learn more about Lafite. But I publish videos about wines that sell for all different price points - some as low as $10.

[@navarra4]

These were great videos. Just disappointed you didn’t review Cheval Blanc. Please do that one as well

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks. Lafite was not that long ago and definitely wanted to finish this series first. I keep a list of potential video ideas and I'll add CB to my list now.

[@jurgfreiherrvonhartmann]

Thats such a beautyfull Wine - i love it!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Such a tremendous producer! Very glad you enjoy it as well.

[@calvinjackson4354]

One thing I’ve noticed is Lafite is never mentioned in any GOAT wine discussions. It’s typically HB ‘89, Margaux ‘90, ‘82 Latour or even Harlan ‘94.

[@AttorneySomm]

That is a good point! I'm not sure why that is, particularly when it sells for a premium to the other First Growths most vintages.

[@stevenholt4936]

Interesting video. I have drunk Lafite once in my life. For many years I ran monthly tastings for friends and colleagues, and I tried always to include at least one wine that nobody would have purchased for themselves. The only way I could put a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the selection was to pick one from an 'off' vintage; I think it was a '73 from memory, tasted in the late 1980s or early '90s. Wines were tasted blind and scored before the reveal. Lafite finished very low down, including from me and I knew what it was. Your comment on the '60s and '70s now makes much sense.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you. Yes, that was not a good era for Lafite. I like the sound of your monthly tastings! Sounds like an excellent idea.

[@stevenholt4936]

@@AttorneySomm My last tasting was in 1993: a whisky tasting, of all things, on Burns night that someone talked me into. I knew nothing about whisky and we all drank far too much - I haven't drunk the stuff from that day to this. I moved jobs and a couple of years later left the industry altogether to go freelance. I have been retired for a few years now, although I still do occasional tastings for friends and neighbours.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@stevenholt4936 Yes, I have to watch the scotch/whisky too. I'm so used to wine that it hits me much harder when I have it. Nice to know more about your background.

[@SergeBeaudry-ls3xr]

Great video again. Have you tried 1983? I recently was able to put my hands on one but not tried yet.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! Yes I tried it a while back.

[@rgiamboi]

Just picked up a 2001 Lafite... I've heard and read that it typically shows better in lesser vintages and is usually awkward because it's TOO powerful in great vintages.

[@AttorneySomm]

Very nice! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I’m a fan of 2001 generally.

[@rgiamboi]

@@AttorneySomm I'm researching the 2001...should it be a concern that there is no label on the back?

[@AttorneySomm]

@@rgiamboi I don’t have that one to compare, but did a search and there is a bottle at the Spectrum wine auction that doesn’t have a back label either. Tgat showed up with a quick search on google. Unfortunately the authentication program doesn’t go back that far.

[@GCOUNDOU]

2001 and 1999 drink GREAT... 03 as well

[@NatashaRaisorGlam]

Thanks for posting. You have so much wine knowledge.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you, Natasha! Very kind of you. 🥂

[@ginazarcadoolasfoodandwine]

I hope I get to taste a Lafite soon! I appreciate your insights on the soil and the climate. I didn’t know that about harvesting at different stages of ripeness. Thank you for this informative video, John! Cheers from a hectic Monday morning 😁

[@AttorneySomm]

Grazie mille, Gina! Very glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully you get a chance to taste a Lafite soon! Definitely a special wine! Hope the rest of your day goes well! Cheers!

[@ginazarcadoolasfoodandwine]

@@AttorneySomm I hope so too as well. Thanks, John. Ciao!

[@Level-42]

Many thanks John for this valuable information! I have a couple of sources for secondary wines, and want to get the most bang for my buck. I need to check out videos 1-4 👍. Always appreciate the videos, all the best my friend🍷😎

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks, Doug! Yes the second wines can be outstanding! Lots of the fruit that went into the top wine not long ago goes into the second wine now. Cheers!

[@Level-42]

@@AttorneySomm Meant to say secondary market for some 1st growths, but yeah I’m always looking for some second wines as well. Hope my second comment clarified the 1st 😎

[@AttorneySomm]

@@Level-42 Yes, that makes sense. That is definitely my approach as well. 👍🍷

[@hxl6162]

The wine world is huge full of history and tasteful wonders 😍🍷🍷🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Very well said! Completely agree with you. 👍🍷

[@hxl6162]

@@AttorneySomm And you are navigating it with ease, and teaching us.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@hxl6162 Happy to do it! Very glad you enjoy it. The video editing is the hard part! 😅

[@hxl6162]

@@AttorneySomm 🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@GCOUNDOU]

what a super video! I learned so much in 10 mins on my favorite wine... could you cover penfolds grange, and opus in the future ?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Very glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate your suggestions too! In the meantime, I do have a short on Opus One here: kzbin.infoytMcQLgXkKQ?si=kzS1W287tjwvXyWT

[@sanjaypatelmd4669]

I have 2019 and 2020 (futures) cases… I am 53, hopefully I can enjoy them.

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes, I think you will be very pleased!

[@df71091]

Would you recommend buying a 2000 carruades lafite, i mean if its still drinkeable?

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes it is still showing well. If the price is right and it was stored properly, I would buy.

[@LisaLikesPhotographySanDiego]

QQQ: Hello Attorney Somm, I hope you have a moment to reply to this note. I thank you if you do. If one is so lucky to be visiting Bordeaux, FR this week, and one is soooo very lucky to be going to a Gala Dinner at THE Chateau Lafite Rothschild, do you think one would be able to buy a bottle of the best wine in the world at a special dinner there and share it with say, 10 friends/colleagues at a table of 10? Would it be worth 150.00 each for just a few sips, if they let us do that? I'm sure we won't be offered any of the first growth, not even a taste, but we're thinking of doing this instead. Also, what would we eat/drink in advance of our tasting to cleanse our palate, just a bite of plain bread and a bit of water? ( Obviously we don't know much about fine wine, but we find ourselves in this wonderfully lucky situation this week and want to experience what we can in full joy of the moment.) Any kind reply will be appreciated. Thank you so much. I have forwarded your very fine video to hundreds of people that will be attending this once in a lifetime event. We're not worthy, and we know it, but we want to make the most of this experience. :)

[@AttorneySomm]

Hello! Sounds like a terrific event! I would definitely buy a nice bottle to enjoy at dinner if that is allowed! I wouldn’t worry too much about cleansing ahead of time. Just stick to your normal pre-dinner routine if you have one. Hope you enjoy it!

[@LisaLikesPhotographySanDiego]

@@AttorneySomm Thank you for your reply! How kind. We're looking forward to that night. thank you again.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@LisaLikesPhotographySanDiego My pleasure! Hope you enjoy it! Cheers!

[@B.H90]

Thank you for the very informative video. Wondering, out of annual 192k bottles, how many will be in Mangum or double m? With much higher volume of bottles out on the market, will it still be a good collecting /investment vs. burgundy 1st growth?

[@AttorneySomm]

Glad you enjoyed it! Not sure of the exact numbers of large formats produced, but certainly much less than 750s. Those do sell for a premium, especially in OWC. Supply/demand favors Burgundy as an investment, but the Lafite would cost much less than DRC or top Leroy as well. So the return percentage may ultimately be higher. But either should do reasonably well.

[@B.H90]

@@AttorneySomm, thank you again for sharing! only750 cases out of 62k ? that is not much to go around; wonder why they don't bottle more? Not as popular for general public or retail store to sell?

[@AttorneySomm]

@@B.H90 It is most likely due to the high price point. It is already pricey at the standard size and magnums are more than double. That limits the number of potential buyers.

[@Thegoverner]

What’s your opinion on Bordeaux futures?

[@AttorneySomm]

I have had some success buying them in vintages like 2005 and 2009, in particular. But now due to my age, I have stopped buying that way as it takes a long time commitment if you are buying for personal consumption. If you want to know more about how they work, I prepared this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHKQoJxnlL-Kgc0

[@nikezooms]

just had a bottle of 03 at cost price (300 euro). was one of best bottle i’ve ever had probably altho I should say aged Sassicaia would be more cost effective choice. cheers

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for weighing in! Glad to hear it! An excellent buy. 👍🍷

[@df71091]

How so cheap, its atleast 600-1000$

[@jonathandavis9507]

@@df71091 futures , most likely

[@megatrendy1]

How about the 2020 Lafite-Rothchild? It has gotten tremendous ratings: Lobenberg: 100/100 Suckling: 100/100 Weinwisser: 100/100 Jeb Dunnuck: 100/100 Wine Enthusiast: 100/100 Did you taste it already? Gerstl: 20/20

[@AttorneySomm]

Great question! This video was published about 2 years ago before the 2020 was released and the scores were finalized. There is no question it received tremendous critical acclaim. That vintage is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and will need lots of time before it hits peak. But if you have time to wait and don't mind paying up a bit for the vintage (e.g., the 23 is only $600 vs. $800 plus for the 20), you can't go wrong.

[@sanjaypatelmd4669]

i just bought a case of 2019 vintage. I will have to be 68 years old to drink this case.

[@AttorneySomm]

It will be phenomenal! You could certainly dip your toe in the water a bit earlier given that you have so many of them.

[@TejasArt]

Don’t forget the 100 point 2000!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! A very worthy addition! 👍🍷

[@rgiamboi]

You have an email address I could send photos of a bottle to that I see an issue with? I already opened and decanted the bottle (and drank most of it) but noticed a HUGE red flag on my bottle of lafite. Waiting for the merchant to get back to me.

[@AttorneySomm]

[e-mail]

[@davidl.7317]

Does not Lafitte have a third growth now?

[@AttorneySomm]

According to the Lafite website, there are only the two wines sold under the Lafite name and which are produced from fruit grown exclusively from Lafite's vineyard. They have wines such as Les Legendes, Saga and Reserve Speciale that include fruit from other sources and which are not sold under the Lafite name. Sort of like Mouton Cadet.

[@AttorneySomm]

This is the last video in my First Growth Bordeaux series. To see the other videos in this series, please go to this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL2aDDJZh--pDc0ewcwVBvoiUsBLCCcuHv

[@FridayFishFacts]

My bucket list wine

[@AttorneySomm]

Hope you can try it soon! Took me a long time to try Lafite. My last First Growth.

[@uiawesome1572]

Who's here because of 'Dark Vacay' by Cigarettes after Sex ?

[@AttorneySomm]

Nice! I wasn’t familiar with this song. Just took a listen and read the lyrics. Cheers!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Drinking the big baller stuff!!!!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! The last video in the First Growth Bordeaux series!

[@Str1fe5]

😂 “School of hard knocks”

[@AttorneySomm]

@@Str1fe5 Ha! Learned so much that way!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Also, nice new subtle angle :)

[@AttorneySomm]

@@drmatthewhorkey Thank you! Learned a tip from a pro!

[@welshtoro3256]

Drinking a wine 15 years after release takes a bit of consideration. I'm 53 so that's a wait until I'm the 70 year mark or so. Is it worth it considering my declining status at that point? I don't think so. Wine makers today really should have an upper window of ten years at most. It's not 1965 any more and wine production is far more advanced these days. Ageing for decades is shockingly out of date. I've crapped out over ageing some quality Spanish. If you buy old Rothschild open it now.

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes, I completely agree it is important to consider your time horizon when purchasing wine. I have also been focusing on older vintages that are more ready to enjoy and not purchasing as many of the newer releases. Fortunately, many of the older wines also cost less than the new releases.

[@ronmcmartin4513]

@Welsh-"upper window of ten years"...The downside is wines would start fading by 15 years, and be toast by 20(most Calif Cab). There are Bordeaux which fit that bill, but they don't have the structure to gain the nuanced secondary & tertiary flavors. And they Have made changes to reduce the window(many add more Merlot to the blends) from 15-20 years to 12-15. And where would this "out of date" thinking, stop? Let's make the Upper Window at 5 years, or 2-3. Why spend the money when you can buy Vin de Pay or Gallo jug wine. I've changed my palate to fresher 10-15(& lesser growths), instead of 15-25. You're wanting the "benefits" of 1st Growths, without the time & effort of proper storage(and wallet).

[@AttorneySomm]

@@ronmcmartin4513 I’m certainly not holding my CA as long as I used too (except Ridge MB). I also enjoy lesser growths younger. But I still have lots of Bordeaux from 2001 and earlier, so I haven’t started in on the younger classified wines in force yet. I will sample one here or there to get a feel for them. The vintages from 2016 forward are certainly showing a lot like 09, which was very enjoyable much earlier than was traditionally the case.

[@ronmcmartin4513]

@@AttorneySomm--Monte Bello really jumped in release price, but still under the Cults. Montelena & Dunn Howell(brambles, dry tumbleweed, but Not rustic concrete wine) are other long-term candidates(Mayacamas is variable, Philip Togni is hard to find). I find that Pessac Leognan region tastes like Lafite, more than other Pauillac, like Pichon Baron. Smith Haut Lafitte, Pape Clement, Haut Bailly have jumped in price, but still HALF the price of Carruades(I've Never been a fan of 2nd wines, except Le Petite, 2nd of Smith 2009 at $20: 91-92 points, but fading by now). Chevalier, Malartic(mal-ar-TEEK) Lagraviere, Latour Martillac at $40-70 at 10-15 years. I'd rather use those as Cellar Defenders than Carruades.

[@danielplainview4778]

“Wine makers should have an upper window of ten years”… why? Because you are old and don’t like aging wine? Good reason I guess they should all change to accommodate!!! I hope they read these comments!

[@pneulancer]

This man is clearly knowledgeable about wine and I am grateful for his passing that on to me. His French pronunciation however is atrocious. If he studied the language at all in college I would demand a refund from his profs!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you for watching and the feedback. I live in Texas and took Spanish. Most of my wine learning was from written sources and exams. I’m working on the pronunciations. Cheers.