Tasting Notes
Michael Broadbent 5
I first tasted Lafite 61 in June 1975: fine, dry, lovely, refined, long . Through the 1980s I noted the typical Lafite understatement and its ability, indeed need, to open up in the glass, lacking the immediate impact of Mouton or Latour, or, for that matter, a top California Cabernet. Nevertheless many 5-star notes – gentle, spicy, silky tannins, a certain delicacy and always great length. By the early 1990s, though still richly coloured, showing some maturity. At Wolf s A[s]chau tasting in 1994 its bouquet, initially fragrant, rich and cedary, opened up in the glass, providing extra dimensions, half a point ahead of the 59 though the latter was sweeter and more complete. Typical of Rodenstock to arrange a flight of five vintages of Lafite, all in imperiales, the bouquet as previously described though I noticed a rather dry finish. The first tasting I conducted for La Reserve was a horizontal of 61s in March 1999, and my most recent detailed note was made there. The level was excellent, into the neck. An attractive, rich, convincing colour with perfect gradation from the bowl of the glass to its rim. It was poured and tasted at 8pm, ripeness and bottle age noted. Exactly 30 minutes later it had gained complexity and a rich, spicy biscuity bouquet. It had the sweetness of fully ripe grapes and alcohol, a mouthfilling flavour, very good tannins and acidity. Complete. It is a food wine, and needed food. My wife, who always takes my notes whenever I conduct a tasting, usually chips in her own remarks, this time slight Fernet Branca taste . Whatever next! Most recently noted at a pre-sale tasting in New York, May 1999. At best ????? Will keep. Give it time to breathe. *****
