Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2003

100 points Robert Parker: "A modern day version of the 1959 Lafite, the 2003 Lafite Rothschild was bottled in mid-May, 2005 after achieving 12.9% natural alcohol -- hardly an astonishing figure given the vintage’s weather conditions. A combination of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, it represents a ripe version of the essence of Lafite-Rothschild. Dense purple-colored, with classic notes of graphite intertwined with melted licorice, creme de cassis, smoke, and flowers, it reveals extraordinary richness, opulence, power, purity, intensity, and viscosity. Whether this wine will close down or not is questionable as it is somewhat atypical given its sweetness and softness. Analytically, there are extremely high tannins, which I suspect will assert themselves in the future. Production in 2003 was less than half of normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050. (Apr 2006)"

99 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "It has been several years since I lasted this wine, and the years have been kind to the wine. Now, it is supple, ostentatious, showy and also, rich with layers of ripe, red berries, cedar, herbs, tobacco leaf, and spice. The wine is full, deep and concentrated with an opulent finish that is drinking just great today. (Apr 2022)"

99 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby garnet, deep color core, violet reflections, subtle edge brightening. Sweet, appealing roasted aromas, exotic wood nuances, hints of cedar, vanilla, coffee, liquorice, cassis and candied violets. A full-bodied texture on the palate, dark berry fruit, present but silky tannins, finely structured, a highly elegant wine full of youthful charm, pleasant caramel notes on the finish, enormous length, already very inviting, can still improve. (Feb 2019)"

99 points (19.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2004 is harmonious and needs a few more years of cellaring, as does the splendid 2003, with its masterful power, which seems to evoke the 1945 vintage. (2008)"

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. (3/14/11)"

97 points Wine Enthuisast: "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. (Jan 2006)"

97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "A wine of great proportions, with a very sharp cedar aroma, sumptuous flavors, and tannins of extreme nobility. Drink: 2011 up to 2028. (2011)"

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. (3/31/06)