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Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1976 Red Wine

Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe

Bottle size: 75cl

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Price:

£695.00

1 In Stock

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    • Description

    Château Lafite Rothschild 1976

    Vintage & Background
    1976 was not one of the most consistent years in Bordeaux, but Lafite Rothschild delivered a standout example — many consider it one of the best Lafites of the 1970s. The growing season had its challenges, yet enough heat and ripeness were achieved to produce a wine that has aged remarkably well.

    Appearance & Nose
    In the glass the wine shows mature colouring: deep ruby with signs of brick at the rim, and a subtle amber/orange tinge beginning to show at the edges. On the nose expect classic mature Pauillac aromas — dried black fruits (blackcurrant, plum), cedarwood, cigar ash, graphite, hints of leather, mushroom, and tobacco. Some earthiness and dried herbs also emerge as the wine opens up.

    Palate & Texture
    The palate is more medium to full-bodied, though with softened edges through long ageing. Tannins are present but mellow; acidity still gives lift but is no longer youthful sharp. Flavours echo the nose: black fruit compote, cedar, leather, cigar box, graphite, spice, and a gentle mineral element. The texture is smooth, with a long finish that is quietly powerful — there’s elegance, with a gravitas befitting its age.

    Maturity & Drinking Window
    This wine is very much in its mature phase — for most bottles with good provenance, it’s drinking beautifully now. While some might get further nuance for a few more years, especially in magnum or excellent bottle condition, it’s unlikely to see major gains. It’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to capture those more delicate tertiary notes before they fade.

    Pairing Suggestions
    Serve at 16-18 °C, with some decanting to let the wine open. It pairs nicely with classic rich meats — roast lamb, game (venison, wild boar), beef Wellington — or with aged cheeses. Earthy-mushroom dishes or sauces with cedar or tobacco tones will harmonise well with its tertiary profile.

    Overall Impression & Verdict
    Lafite Rothschild 1976 is a wine that has matured into something elegant, complex and deeply satisfying. It no longer relies on power or youthful purity, but on layered flavours, subtle tension, and a refined finish. For collectors or anyone with a well-kept bottle, it offers a memorable drinking experience — a wine to savour, not rush.

    Condition

    level very top shoulder, label bin soiled as shown

    Reviews

    93 Points (Parker)
    94 Points (Wine Journal)
    Reviews

    "The 1976 Lafite clearly stands far above the crowd in this vintage. A beautiful bouquet of seductive cedarwood, spices, and ripe fruit precedes a very concentrated, darkly colored wine, with great length and texture. Some amber is just beginning to appear at the edge. The 1976 has turned out to be the best Lafite of the '70s. It is gorgeous to drink at present. Last tasted, 9/96." Parker Bordeaux 3rd edition

    "A sublime mature Lafite-Rothschild that alongside the 1978 counts as the best of the decade. A mature brick core. The nose is leafy and herbaceous with a touch of cigar box and smoke: unmistakably Pauillac. The medium-bodied palate is mellow, natural, and harmonious with cedar, tobacco and a touch of leather. Though there is just a residue of fruit, this Lafite is still imbued with remarkable precision and focus. Good length. For those seeking traditional claret from the top-drawer. Must be wine of the vintage? Tasted November 2006. Drinking drink now-2015" Neil Martin Wine Journal 2007

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