Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2002

96 points (18/20) La Revue du Vin de France (2007).

95 points Wine Spectator: "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."

95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Outstanding aroma of cedar; creamy, magical texture but without heaviness' marvelously noble and pure tannins from great cabernet sauvignon. Drink: 2011 up to 2027. (2011)"

94 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. (Apr 2005)"

94 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Still youthful, the wine is on the bright, crisp, crunchy side of the style range. The red berries are quite vibrant, with a mint, herb, tobacco, and cedar coating on the palate, and in the sweet, and tart, cherry, cranberry, olive, herb, and citrus finish. This is quite classic in an old-school style. Drink from 2024-2042. (Apr 2024)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "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. Drinking Window: 2018-2030. (May 2018)"