Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2003 750ml

Name: Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2003 750ml
Brand: Chateau Lafite Rothschild
SKU: 874030
Price: 1006.26 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 97.4 (5 reviews)

Case of 6

Sample image only. Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.

SKU 874030

$6,037.56/case

$1,006.26/bottle

Tariffs included

Availability: This is a Long-term Pre-arrival item and is available for online ordering only. This item will ship on a future date after a 4-8 months transfer time. For more about Pre-arrival orders, see FAQ.

Pre-arrival

Case Only

Minimum order 6 bottles

WA 100pts

JS 98pts

WE 97pts

WS 96pts

VM 96pts

See professional reviews

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.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Pauillac

Size: 750ml
Color: Red

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SKU: 874030 Categories: Left Bank Bordeaux, Pre-arrival

More about this item

Winery

Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Shop all from Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act â€“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.

Country

France

France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]

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Region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]

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Appellation

Pauillac

Pauillac, a prestigious appellation within Bordeaux's Left Bank, stands as a vinous crown jewel renowned for its exceptional red wines. Home to some of the world's most illustrious châteaux, including Lafite Rothschild and Latour, Pauillac is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blends. What makes Pauillac unique is its impeccable terroir, characterized by deep gravel soils and a maritime influence from the Gironde estuary, creating wines of unparalleled power, structure, and longevity. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in this environment, contributing to Pauillac's signature style—a harmonious blend of cassis, graphite, and cedar. The region's famed classification system of 1855, which ranked châteaux based on reputation, further highlights Pauillac's commitment to excellence. Exploring Pauillac wines unveils the epitome of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition, meticulous vineyard management, and the art of blending converge to produce wines that exemplify the grandeur and sophistication of this esteemed appellation.

Ratings & Reviews

WA 100pts

Wine Advocate

JS 98pts

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

WE 97pts

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.

WS 96pts

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. 20,000 cases made.

VM 96pts

Vinous Media

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.

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Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2003 750ml

Case of 6

More Purchase Options:

More Vintages:

Winery

Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Appellation

Pauillac

Wine Advocate

James Suckling

Wine Enthusiast

Wine Spectator

Vinous Media

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