2022 Bordeaux Wine Magazine: Lafite Rothschild 2021 tasting notes and ratings on futures and ratings “en primeur” by Ronald Rens, M.Sc., Wine Master, Bordeaux Expert

Ronald with Eric Kohler the technical director at Lafite Rothschild

One can’t be not impressed driving up to Lafite Rothschild. Arriving through an ocean of the greatest vineyards of Bordeaux, the chateau emerges like an ancient battleship.
I tasted the Lafite Rothschild 2021 in the professional tasting room with Eric Kohler, the Technical Director at Lafite.

Kohler told me that Lafite is in the middle of the conversion to biodynamic: “2021 was not the easiest year to start this conversion.” Lafite was not so much touched by the frost, but the main challenge was the fight against the mildew. “The weather made our battle not easy, but we managed and do not regret our conversion to biodynamic at all. In reality our 2020 crop was already biodynamic.”

Lafite lost between 5-10% of the production. “After this fight against the climatic influences we are actually quite happy with the result. The optical sorting machine paid off with a complicated crop like this year.”

The Merlot is always the most difficult grape at Lafite. This year the Merlot represents just 3% of the blend. (3-8% is considered normal). The Cabernet Sauvignon needed a bit of chaptalization. No surprise here: the best terroir of Lafite always gives a bit less sugar, even in a warmer year.

Carruades de Lafite 2021 (18 points)
[36% Merlot, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc]

Lafite Rothschild 2021

A clear translucent color a bit lighter than the Lafite. The nose is a bit closed at first but opens up with fresh red and black fruit.
On the palate it is the crisp fresh fruit that impresses. Good, elegant tannins and a good length. Again, another well-balanced and remarkable second wine. In complicated vintages we usually see a larger difference between the first and the second wine and 2021 is no exception is this respect.

Lafite Rothschild 2021 (19,5- points)
[96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot]

A deep dark intense red color with some hints of purper. On the nose the wine takes a few moments to reveal its signature classy Lafite nose with red and ripe black fruit.
Here we see everything coming together: terroir, craftsmanship and tradition. Producing a great wine in a difficult vintage is a sign of class. This Lafite 2021 is by no means a 2018 or a 2020 but it is still a great wine.
With almost 100% Cabernet Sauvignon the 2021 is a beautiful classic Lafite: not on the power but more on the elegance. Beautiful expression of the ripe fruit and not even a hint of greenness. Signature good, ripe, and elegant tannins. Great freshness.

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