2003 Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Premier Grand Cru Classé

Type of Wine | Red |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | |
Appellation | Pauillac |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2003 |
Grape | , , , Petit Verdot |
Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13%) |
Drink window | 2018 - 2041 |
In stock
12 items available
Description
The 2003 Lafite Rothschild is not just any vintage but a 100 Parker point vintage that is compared to the great Lafite Rothschild 1959. Lafite Rothschild is together with Latour the biggest name in Bordeaux on the left bank. The most elegant wine of the 5 Premier Crus and the most sought after worldwide. We were able to purchase a number of cases as a Late Release directly from the cellars of Lafite Rothschild and expect to receive them around February 2025. A unique opportunity to get this legendary wine with 21 years of maturation in a great condition in the cellar.
The 2003 Lafite belongs to the select group of wines that have been awarded a 100 point rating. The 2003 Lafite is a modern version of the 1959 Lafite, The 2003 Lafite Rothschild was bottled in mid-May 2005, after reaching 12.9% natural alcohol. The wine is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This is a rich and ripe Lafite-Rothschild. Dense purple in color, with classic notes of graphite interwoven with melted licorice, crème de cassis, tobacco and flowers. It shows an extraordinary richness, complexity, purity, intensity and viscosity. The wine has very firm tannins that will melt with age and provide a beautiful drinking window.
FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
Specifications
Type of Wine | Red |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pauillac |
Icons | Icon France |
Winery | Chateau Lafite Rothschild |
Grape | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2003 |
Drinking as of | 2018 |
Drinking till | 2041 |
Alcohol % | 13 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 100 |
James Suckling rating | 98 |
Vinous rating | 96 |
Tasting Profiles | Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Tannines |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Professional Reviews
Parker
Rating
100
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2014 - 2039
Reviewed by
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date
28th Aug 2014
Source
214, The Wine Advocate
The 2003 Lafite Rothschild comes as close to perfection as any of the great Lafites made over the past three decades (1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010). This sensational effort came in at 12.7% natural alcohol, it is made in the style of one of this estate’s great classics, the 1959. Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color to the rim along with a luxurious bouquet of cedarwood, lead pencil shaving, white chocolate, cocoa and cassis. Fat, rich, opulent and full-bodied with low acidity and stunning seductiveness and complexity, this noble wine possesses a bountiful, generous, heady style. It is just coming into its plateau of maturity where it should hold for 20-25 years. This is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage – make no mistake about that.
These are two great successes in this vintage that have aged well and surprised me by their intensity and overall complexit
98 points James Suckling
Spicy and rich, with a tobacco and berry character on the nose and palate I love the nose. Full bodied, with soft velvety tannins that give you so much. This goes on and on. Sexy and exciting right now, but leave this for five or six years. Find the wine (3/2011)
97 points Wine Enthusiast
This is a splendid wine. Yes, it is more powerful than the usual aristocratic Lafites, but it still manages to retain a special air of great elegance and presence. The fruits are black, the tannins immensely powerful, the flavors are of black figs, dates, cocoa. At the end, there is a vibrant acidity that shows through, which promises a great life for this great wine. (5/2006)
96 points Wine Spectator
Subtle, complex aromas of berries, licorice and currants. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Very well-integrated wine. Lovely stuff. Wonderful length and finesse. Best after 2012. (3/2006)
93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Full red-ruby color. Captivating aromas of cassis, cherry, tobacco, mocha, coffee and leather, with a complicating element of dried oregano and thyme. At once silky and penetrating in the mouth, with very firm acids for the vintage giving shape and thrust to the dense flavors of currant, tobacco and iodine. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins and superb persistence... 93(+?) (6/2006)
K&L Notes
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the five first growth Bordeaux, and one of the most famous and collected wines in the world. The vineyard covers 112 hectares and is well-drained and well-exposed, with soil made up of fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. The estate dates back to at least the 13th century and has had an amazing and prestigious history to look back upon. 94 points Neal Martin's Wine Journal: "Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. Comparing the wines side by side, the Lafite Rothschild '03 has a similar bouquet to the Latour but perhaps it retains just a little more delineation. It is more understated than Latour but offers lifted pencil shaving scents and hints of sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy, sensual entry - layers of red berry fruit, mint, vanilla and white pepper. It is very composed towards the finish, nicely focused and stretches long in the mouth. I appreciate the refinement here, the composure and finesse. Tasted March 2013."
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2020 - 2050
From: Looking Back To Go Forward: Lafite-Rothschild 1868 – 2015 (Jul 2018)
The 2003 Lafite-Rothschild famously shrugged off the merciless heat of that infamous summer when the temperature at the estate nudge 42° Celsius. It has a lovely bouquet of black plum, pressed iris, a touch of glycerin and (for Lafite) exotic scents of blood orange. The palate is powerful and intense as you would expect. There is great depth and volume with glossy black fruit laced with orange zest, smoke and melted tar. You can almost feel the summer in this Lafite-Rothschild but unlike many of its peers, it has requisite acidity to maintain freshness and avoid cloyingness on the finish. Whilst not my pick of modern-day Lafites, I have to doff my cap because it was and still is, one of the finest Left Banks of the vintage. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild 150th anniversary dinner at the estate.
- By Neal Martin on May 2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Wijnhuis
The vineyard of Château Lafite Rothschild consists of three main areas: The slopes around the Château, the Carruades plateau to the west and a 4.5 hectare site in Saint-Estèphe. Its area is 112 hectares. The soil consists of fine, deeply ground mixed with windblown sand on a well-drained and well-incorporated tertiary limestone subsoil. The grape varieties grown here are Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Here the first stones were laid, the winegrowers' houses were built and prepared for something unusual to happen. As the years passed, the house overlooking this hill got bigger and a wisteria vine climbed the walls of generations of families to see how preserving this ecosystem has always been the ultimate priority. 150 years ago, Baroness Betty, wife of Baron James, planted the huge oak trees that separate our vineyard from the marshes. They, their children and grandchildren, the families of winegrowers die with them, work conscientiously to protect this impeccable creation that has been bequeathed to nature. They have taken great care to preserve this microcosm of forests and marshes, flora and fauna amidst the vines of Château Lafite Rothschild thrive in this almost wild osmosis.
As the ultimate witness to this protected land, some of the vines still gracefully show off their 140 years of ungrafted life. They escaped the phylloxera which, however, spared no one else! This infallible part of the vines continues to elude the winegrowers, the same ones who form, protect and nurture it, from one harvest year to the next, trying to refine this perfect composition that amazes them time and time again. It may not be a coincidence, of course, that Lafite earned the title of "First of the First" at Napoleon III's World's Fair. Nor will it be a coincidence, if others will speak of it long after us… Each barrel is tasted individually and only the best is selected for the final blend. After blending, the wine matures for 15 months in new oak barrels. Fermentation takes place for 15 days at a controlled temperature of 18°C. Only vines older than 10 years are used for the Grand Vin Château Lafite Rothschild. While each vintage is unique, there is usually a large portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, then Merlot, with a small contribution of Petit Verdot.
The 2003 Lafite Rothschild is not just any vintage but a 100 Parker point vintage that is compared to the great Lafite Rothschild 1959. Lafite Rothschild is together with Latour the biggest name in Bordeaux on the left bank. The most elegant wine of the 5 Premier Crus and the most sought after worldwide. We were able to purchase a number of cases as a Late Release directly from the cellars of Lafite Rothschild and expect to receive them around February 2025. A unique opportunity to get this legendary wine with 21 years of maturation in a great condition in the cellar.
The 2003 Lafite belongs to the select group of wines that have been awarded a 100 point rating. The 2003 Lafite is a modern version of the 1959 Lafite, The 2003 Lafite Rothschild was bottled in mid-May 2005, after reaching 12.9% natural alcohol. The wine is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This is a rich and ripe Lafite-Rothschild. Dense purple in color, with classic notes of graphite interwoven with melted licorice, crème de cassis, tobacco and flowers. It shows an extraordinary richness, complexity, purity, intensity and viscosity. The wine has very firm tannins that will melt with age and provide a beautiful drinking window.
FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
Type of Wine | Red |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pauillac |
Icons | Icon France |
Winery | Chateau Lafite Rothschild |
Grape | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2003 |
Drinking as of | 2018 |
Drinking till | 2041 |
Alcohol % | 13 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 100 |
James Suckling rating | 98 |
Vinous rating | 96 |
Tasting Profiles | Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Tannines |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Parker
Rating
100
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2014 - 2039
Reviewed by
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date
28th Aug 2014
Source
214, The Wine Advocate
The 2003 Lafite Rothschild comes as close to perfection as any of the great Lafites made over the past three decades (1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010). This sensational effort came in at 12.7% natural alcohol, it is made in the style of one of this estate’s great classics, the 1959. Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color to the rim along with a luxurious bouquet of cedarwood, lead pencil shaving, white chocolate, cocoa and cassis. Fat, rich, opulent and full-bodied with low acidity and stunning seductiveness and complexity, this noble wine possesses a bountiful, generous, heady style. It is just coming into its plateau of maturity where it should hold for 20-25 years. This is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage – make no mistake about that.
These are two great successes in this vintage that have aged well and surprised me by their intensity and overall complexit
98 points James Suckling
Spicy and rich, with a tobacco and berry character on the nose and palate I love the nose. Full bodied, with soft velvety tannins that give you so much. This goes on and on. Sexy and exciting right now, but leave this for five or six years. Find the wine (3/2011)
97 points Wine Enthusiast
This is a splendid wine. Yes, it is more powerful than the usual aristocratic Lafites, but it still manages to retain a special air of great elegance and presence. The fruits are black, the tannins immensely powerful, the flavors are of black figs, dates, cocoa. At the end, there is a vibrant acidity that shows through, which promises a great life for this great wine. (5/2006)
96 points Wine Spectator
Subtle, complex aromas of berries, licorice and currants. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Very well-integrated wine. Lovely stuff. Wonderful length and finesse. Best after 2012. (3/2006)
93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Full red-ruby color. Captivating aromas of cassis, cherry, tobacco, mocha, coffee and leather, with a complicating element of dried oregano and thyme. At once silky and penetrating in the mouth, with very firm acids for the vintage giving shape and thrust to the dense flavors of currant, tobacco and iodine. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins and superb persistence... 93(+?) (6/2006)
K&L Notes
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the five first growth Bordeaux, and one of the most famous and collected wines in the world. The vineyard covers 112 hectares and is well-drained and well-exposed, with soil made up of fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. The estate dates back to at least the 13th century and has had an amazing and prestigious history to look back upon. 94 points Neal Martin's Wine Journal: "Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. Comparing the wines side by side, the Lafite Rothschild '03 has a similar bouquet to the Latour but perhaps it retains just a little more delineation. It is more understated than Latour but offers lifted pencil shaving scents and hints of sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy, sensual entry - layers of red berry fruit, mint, vanilla and white pepper. It is very composed towards the finish, nicely focused and stretches long in the mouth. I appreciate the refinement here, the composure and finesse. Tasted March 2013."
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2020 - 2050
From: Looking Back To Go Forward: Lafite-Rothschild 1868 – 2015 (Jul 2018)
The 2003 Lafite-Rothschild famously shrugged off the merciless heat of that infamous summer when the temperature at the estate nudge 42° Celsius. It has a lovely bouquet of black plum, pressed iris, a touch of glycerin and (for Lafite) exotic scents of blood orange. The palate is powerful and intense as you would expect. There is great depth and volume with glossy black fruit laced with orange zest, smoke and melted tar. You can almost feel the summer in this Lafite-Rothschild but unlike many of its peers, it has requisite acidity to maintain freshness and avoid cloyingness on the finish. Whilst not my pick of modern-day Lafites, I have to doff my cap because it was and still is, one of the finest Left Banks of the vintage. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild 150th anniversary dinner at the estate.
- By Neal Martin on May 2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
The vineyard of Château Lafite Rothschild consists of three main areas: The slopes around the Château, the Carruades plateau to the west and a 4.5 hectare site in Saint-Estèphe. Its area is 112 hectares. The soil consists of fine, deeply ground mixed with windblown sand on a well-drained and well-incorporated tertiary limestone subsoil. The grape varieties grown here are Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Here the first stones were laid, the winegrowers' houses were built and prepared for something unusual to happen. As the years passed, the house overlooking this hill got bigger and a wisteria vine climbed the walls of generations of families to see how preserving this ecosystem has always been the ultimate priority. 150 years ago, Baroness Betty, wife of Baron James, planted the huge oak trees that separate our vineyard from the marshes. They, their children and grandchildren, the families of winegrowers die with them, work conscientiously to protect this impeccable creation that has been bequeathed to nature. They have taken great care to preserve this microcosm of forests and marshes, flora and fauna amidst the vines of Château Lafite Rothschild thrive in this almost wild osmosis.
As the ultimate witness to this protected land, some of the vines still gracefully show off their 140 years of ungrafted life. They escaped the phylloxera which, however, spared no one else! This infallible part of the vines continues to elude the winegrowers, the same ones who form, protect and nurture it, from one harvest year to the next, trying to refine this perfect composition that amazes them time and time again. It may not be a coincidence, of course, that Lafite earned the title of "First of the First" at Napoleon III's World's Fair. Nor will it be a coincidence, if others will speak of it long after us… Each barrel is tasted individually and only the best is selected for the final blend. After blending, the wine matures for 15 months in new oak barrels. Fermentation takes place for 15 days at a controlled temperature of 18°C. Only vines older than 10 years are used for the Grand Vin Château Lafite Rothschild. While each vintage is unique, there is usually a large portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, then Merlot, with a small contribution of Petit Verdot.