Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: The great Lafite nose is as aristocratic as ever, cedar notes to the fore. The wine shows tight texture and firm body but the overall effect is too emphatically classical to be genuinely satisfying. Compare and contrast with the energy of a Latour at the same stage of development; or the monumental stature of a Cos d’Estournel; or the voluptuous texture of a Mouton. Of course, we make a habit of criticizing these premiers crus just to keep them on their toes… 18.5

Michael Schuster: Minerally, spicy, blackberry-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon; very nicely balanced Lafite, with a concentrated core of fruit and fine, if notably firm, tannin; pure, refined, juicily ripe Cabernet flavor within the firm tannin; subtle, complex, minerally, long, and resonant, with a long, warmly fruity, spicy finish. Long-term Lafite with a slightly severe structure; fine quality but needing at least a decade and a half to be approachable. 2025–45+. 18/18.5