2023 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
One of the biggest releases of the 2023 en primeur campaign today; the iconic First Growth of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Lafite is a guaranteed instant sell-out on release, and with scores of up to 98-100 points from the critics and a huge price reduction, this 2023 will be no exception to the rule. It’s one of the campaign’s must-buys.
Lafite’s vines sit on very deep gravel, and cope beautifully with any vagaries in the weather and produce grapes of stunning quality. The finished wine is characterised by incredible aromatics, a sophisticated palate and immense ageing potential.
The 2023 is a magnificent young example, as is demonstrated by a look at the notes from the critics.
- “This will delight anyone lucky enough to own it”, 98-100 points Jane Anson
- “reminds me of 2019’s tannins combined with 2016’s unimpeachable classicism”, 97-99 points William Kelley
- “A wine that is so, so cerebral, this is a vintage well played by Lafite”, 97-99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Lafite is always a huge seller on release as the chateau has an unerring ability to get its price right. This 2023 is no exception to the rule. As the table above shows, this 2023 competes with some very, very good recent vintages of Lafite, yet is incredibly well-priced. It’s a very firm buy as a result.
We’re expecting to be highly oversubscribed on this one so please do let me know at your earliest if you have interest to have the best chance of securing an allocation.
THE OFFER
Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in 2026.
2023 Château Lafite Rothschild
SGD $4,330 ($4,719.70 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)
SGD $4,340 ($4,730.60 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)
£2,460 per case (6*75cl) in bond
£2,465 per case mags (3*150cl) in bond
98-100 points Jane Anson
This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined with around 15% press wine. Not the concentration of 2022, but in many ways showcasing the essence of Lafite more squarely, and this will delight anyone lucky enough to own it in future years. 45hl/h yield, highest since 2015, harvest September 7 to 29. 100% new oak. New cellar underway, due for completion in 2027. I am giving it 10 years to begin entering its opening window, a little less than usual but it will make no difference to how long you can cellar it. (2024) www.janeanson.com Drink 2033-2055
97-99 points William Kelley
The finest of the first growths this year appears to be the 2023 Lafite Rothschild, a terrific effort that unwinds in the glass with deep and incipiently complex aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, lilac and violets mingled with hints of cigar wrapper and mint. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s vibrant and refined, with a deep core of fruit, plenty of sweet structuring tannin and a compelling marriage between energy and plenitude. It’s a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot that reminds me of 2019’s tannins combined with 2016’s unimpeachable classicism. (2024) www.robertparker.com
97-99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2023 Lafite Rothschild is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little swirling, wonderfully pure notes of boysenberries, wild blueberries, and blackcurrants emerge from the glass, followed by hints of violets, dark chocolate, licorice, and fertile loam with a hint of black truffle. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers electric sparks of vibrant black berry and mineral flavors framed by super-ripe, fine-grained tannins and great tension, finishing long and shimmery. A wine that is so, so cerebral, this is a vintage well played by Lafite. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, with pH 3.76, and an alcohol of just 12.9%. (2024) www.thewineindependent.com
Terms & Conditions of 2023 En Primeur Purchase in Singapore
* All items offered under bond, ex-Singapore (inclusive of freight from Bordeaux)
* Government duties are not inclusive & will apply at the time of physical availability.
* 2% discount will be given for Cheque/TT/PayNow payments.
* Purchases are to be transacted in case multiples as offered, change of bottle formats subject to extra charges.
* Payment is immediate upon confirmation of order/s. Order/s confirmed are non-refundable &/or exchangeable.
* 2% administrative charge [subject to prevailing GST] will be levied for amendment(s) [Duty paid to Bond or vice versa] on confirmed orders. Alterations are not allowed for confirmed order(s) after two years from the date of invoice.
* ETA 2026
* All wines offered subject to remaining unsold
