https://www.lafite.com/

2002 Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild Bordeaux Red
Firstst Growth • Pauillac

$1,195.00

95
WS
94
WA
93
D

Indulge in the magnificence of the 2002 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux. Experience the epitome of Bordeaux’s winemaking excellence and unlock the secrets of this legendary vintage. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or simply seeking an extraordinary wine to savor, seize the opportunity to acquire this exquisite gem. Embrace the allure of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and secure your bottle today to embark on an unforgettable journey of taste and sophistication. Cheers to the timeless elegance of the 2002 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux!
Volume: 750 ML | 14.5% ABV | Collectable | First growth

1 in stock

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Wine Spectator – 95 Points

Bubbling over with crushed berries, currants and spices, with tobacco notes. Beautiful. Full-bodied, with gorgeously velvety tannins and a long finish of pretty fruit. This is a racy yet elegant Lafite. Classy. Best after 2010. 16,000 cases made. Mar/2005 —Jmaes Suckling | winespectator.com

Wine Advocate – 94 Points

This is an excellent wine for thevintage. There is a sense of control on the nose with blackberry, cedar and pencil lead on the nose with wonderful delineation. The palate is very refined and elegant upon first acquaintance but then you notice the firmness and symmetry of the tannic structure, accompanied by considerable unresolved new oak.
This Lafite has certainly “firmed up” over the last 4-5 years, but the finish is very well balanced and natural, quintessentially Pauillac with tobacco on the aftertaste. Great potential, but you need to wait another decade. Drink 2014-2035. Nov/2006 —Robert Parker, Jr. | robertparker.com

Decanter – 93 Points

“Another Indian summer vintage (with useful northerly winds) that followed a difficult July and August. This has still-tight tannins and remains deep in colour, with just the very beginnings of whispering its age. After a few minutes in the glass, cigar notes curl up and out, followed by beautifully elegant, savoury-edged black fruit and tea leaf notes. This was extremely austere at first, but it’s now beginning to soften and is likely to develop similarly to the 1999, which makes it one to watch. Will reward further cellaring.” May/2018 —Jane Anson | decanter.com

Description

2002 Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild


Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild stands for something real. It carries its history and wears it well. The 2002 vintage isn’t a wine for boasting. It’s a wine for remembering. It comes from Pauillac, in Bordeaux, France. The stones, the vines—they know the struggle and the triumph.

Vintage Characteristics:


The 2002 Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild didn’t come easy. The weather fought the vines. It was too cool, too unpredictable. But the people at LAFITE knew how to work with that. They have always known. They let the grapes ripen at their own pace. When the time came, the harvest was careful, deliberate. The wine that followed carried the weight of that season. It was honest. It was true.

Tasting Notes:


In the glass, it looks deep and dark. The kind of red that draws you in. You swirl it, and the scents come up. Blackcurrants, cedar, earth, like a forest just after the rain. There is a hint of tobacco. You can almost feel the leaves between your fingers. The first sip is strong, but not harsh. The fruit is there, but it isn’t shouting. Blackberries, plums, a quiet richness. The tannins are fine, giving the wine structure, but not taking away the life in it. The acidity is there, keeping it awake, keeping you awake. As you drink, other notes unfold, like secrets shared late at night—spice, leather, a touch of graphite. The finish is long. It stays with you, like a story you don’t want to end.

Age-Worthiness and Cellaring:


The 2002 Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild isn’t in a hurry. It has time, and so should you. Drink it now if you must, but know it will be better tomorrow, and better still in years to come. The tannins are strong enough to hold on. The acidity will keep it from fading. This wine is built for patience. Put it away for a decade, two decades. Let it gather the years and give them back to you with every bottle you open. If you wait long enough, it may become something you didn’t expect. Something even finer.

Prestige and Collectibility:


This is Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild. You don’t need to say much more. The name carries weight because it earned it. The 2002 vintage isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be. The best things never are. It’s sought after, not just because it’s rare, but because it’s good. Those who collect it know why. Those who drink it don’t forget. It’s a bottle that belongs in the hands of those who understand what they’re holding—a history, a promise, a moment in time.

Conclusion:


The 2002 Chateau LAFITE-Rothschild Red Bordeaux doesn’t need to try. It knows what it is. It’s not just a wine; it’s the earth, the vines, the people who shaped it. It’s balanced, with enough power to remind you it came from a place of strength, but with enough grace to let you enjoy it quietly. Whether you open it now or set it aside for years, it speaks of Bordeaux and the art that goes into making something worth remembering. It’s not the kind of wine you drink and forget. It’s the kind of wine that stays with you.

Chateau Lafite-Rothschild:


Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is a world-renowned wine estate located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and iconic wineries in the world, with a rich history dating back several centuries.

The Origins:


The estate’s origins can be traced back to the 17th century when it was acquired by the Ségur family. It was under the ownership of the Ségur family that Chateau Lafite-Rothschild began to establish its reputation for producing exceptional wines. In the late 18th century, the property came into the possession of the Rothschild family, who played a significant role in elevating its status to unparalleled heights.

Vineyard and Wines:


Chateau Lafite-Rothschild encompasses a total vineyard area of approximately 112 hectares, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (around 70%), followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate’s vineyards are divided into several plots, each with its own distinct characteristics and microclimate, which contribute to the complexity and diversity of the wines produced.

Winemaking Philosophy:


The winemaking philosophy at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is centered on meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the unique terroir of the estate. The vineyards are managed with utmost care, employing sustainable practices and manual labor to ensure the highest quality fruit. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, with only the finest grapes selected for vinification.

Vinification Process:


The vinification process at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild combines traditional and modern techniques. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavors and tannins. The wines are then transferred to oak barrels for aging, with approximately 100% new barrels used for the grand vin (the estate’s top wine).

Wines Produced:


Chateau Lafite-Rothschild produces two main wines: the grand vin, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, and the second wine, Carruades de Lafite. The grand vin represents the pinnacle of the estate’s production, characterized by its finesse, elegance, and ability to age for decades. Carruades de Lafite, made from the estate’s younger vines and selected parcels, offers a more approachable and accessible expression of Lafite-Rothschild’s style.

The Wines:


The wines of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild are celebrated for their remarkable complexity, depth, and longevity. They typically display a beautiful combination of ripe black fruits, cassis, cedar, graphite, and subtle floral nuances. The tannins are refined and well-integrated, providing structure and the potential for long-term aging. These wines possess a rare ability to evolve and develop additional layers of complexity over time.

Prestige and Collectibility:


Due to its esteemed reputation, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild wines command high prices and are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world. They are considered some of the most collectible and investment-worthy wines, with vintages from exceptional years often reaching astronomical prices at auctions and in the secondary market.

In Summary:


In summary, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux estate that epitomizes excellence, craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of fine wine. With its illustrious history, meticulous winemaking practices, and exceptional wines, it continues to captivate and inspire wine lovers worldwide. A bottle of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild represents not just a remarkable tasting experience but also a tangible connection to the rich heritage and artistry of one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed wine estates.
In summary, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux estate that epitomizes excellence, craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of fine wine. With its illustrious history, meticulous winemaking practices, and exceptional wines, it continues to captivate and inspire wine lovers worldwide. A bottle of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild represents not just a remarkable tasting experience but also a tangible connection to the rich heritage and artistry of one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed wine estates.

Professional Reviewer

Symbol
The Wine Advocate • robertparker.com — WA
Wine Spectator • winespectator.com — WS
James Suckling • jamessuckling.com — JS
Wine Enthusiast • winemag.com — WE
The Wine Independent • thewineindependent.com — TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghound • burghound.com — BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine • cgcw.com — CGCW
Wine & Spirits • wineandspiritsmagazine.com — W&S
The Tasting Panel • tastingpanelmag.com — TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Media • vinous.com — VM
Jancis Robinson • jancisrobinson.com — JR
Stephen Tanzer • International Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuck • jebdunnuck.com — JD
Decanter Magazine • decanter.com — D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeaux • janeanson.com — JA

Expert Wine Reviews & Scores:
Comprehensive Insights from the World’s Top Wine Critics

 

The Wine Advocate (WA) • Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers •

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James Suckling (JS) • Straightforward Wine Reviews for Serious Enthusiasts •

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Wine Enthusiast (WE) • Wine Reviews, Buying Guides, and Wine Culture •

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Jancis Robinson (JR) • One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Writers •

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Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (IWC) • No-Nonsense Wine Criticism •

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Jeb Dunnuck (JD) • Wine Critic with a Focus on Rhône and California Wines •

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Decanter Magazine (D) • A Leading British Wine Publication •

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Jane Anson (JA), Inside Bordeaux • The Definitive Guide to Bordeaux Wines •

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