Mathusalem Château Lafite Rothschild - Pauillac 2015

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

par James Molesworth le 15/02/2018

Velvet- and silk-textured red currant, raspberry and black cherry compote notes glide through, supported by a perfectly embedded graphite spine, while enticing violet, black tea and alder accents add range through the finish. Very refined and sneakily long. Best from 2025 through 2045. 16,000 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

99 / 100

par James Suckling le 12/02/2018

Lead and graphite are complimented by notes of blueberries and blackberries. Blackcurrants, too. Full-bodied and focused with very round and polished tannins. Elegance with power. Very classic nature for Lafite. Try in 2022.

Decanter.com

97 / 100

par Jane Anson le 26/01/2018

The power in this vintage of Lafite is hidden, but it is there in spades and tiptoes up along the palate. Lovely brushed tannins are extremely well placed, discreetly holding the fruit. In many ways this is a truly classic Lafite because it is understated and lyrical. It's a wine that demands you know Lafite to see just how beautifully it will develop, says winemaker Eric Kohler. 40% of overall estate production. 100% new oak. Bottled early June 2017.

Jeb DUNNUCK

96 / 100

par Jeb Dunnuck le 30/11/2017

Vinifera

5 / 5

le 31/05/2016

Robe sombre. Nez magnifique de finesse et de profondeur. Superbe entrée en bouche. Forme fuselée en bouche, toute en longueur, d’une très belle continuité. La finesse est là, avec, de surcroît, une impression de rare harmonie. Très belle persistance aromatique.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94-96 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 30/04/2016

Finesse and elegance are what you hope to find at Lafite, which is exactly what is in the bottle this year. An exotic fragrance of smoke, thyme, cedar, damp earth and the wrapper of a Cuban cigar, this wine is vibrant and juicy, flowing with seasoned cassis, black raspberries, spice box and cherries. This wine combines silk and freshness in the mouth with length and purity. The Merlot harvest took place between September 17 and September 23, the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked between September 23 and October 6. Neither Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot was used in the blend this year. The wine represents 42% of the harvest, reaching 12.8% with a pH of 3.69.

Wine Advocate

94-96 / 100

par Neal Martin le 29/04/2016

The 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot picked between 17 September and 6 October. Matured in 100% new oak, it has a tightly-wound bouquet with black cherries, cassis, cedar and graphite, though it does not quite possess the depth one would have expected the vintage would have bestowed. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, harmonious on the entry and with the oak neatly integrated. There is a very fine grip towards the finish, which has a tangible spicy edge - white pepper with a touch of bay leaf and enough pencil lead to fill a stationery set. The aftertaste is extremely long here, more than a minute when I timed it on my watch. It is an excellent Lafite-Rothschild in the making and it often "finds its voice" only after bottling, so it could ultimately end with a higher score.

Bettane & Desseauve

17-17,5 / 20

le 28/04/2016

Échantillon dégusté au château. Difficile à appréhender car après une entrée de bouche très noble, plutôt avancée pour son âge, avec des notes d’amande et de tabac blond liée à la qualité du bois neuf utilisé, le vin semble manquer de milieu de bouche et, surtout, de rebond en retour de tannin. La sélection étant sévère pour ce grand vin, nous serions surpris quand même qu’il n’évolue pas favorablement au cours de son élevage. Une nouvelle évaluation sera nécessaire dans un an.

Vinous

94-97 / 100

par Antonio Galloni le 27/04/2016

A dramatic, ample Lafite, the 2015 is also arrestingly beautiful and vivid. Expressive floral notes give the dark red and black flavors gorgeous aromatic lift. Today, the new oak is a bit pronounced, but otherwise, this is an exceptional wine. Rose petal, lavender, mint and purplish stone fruits add the last shades of detail.

Decanter.com

96 / 100

par Steven Spurrier le 27/04/2016

The Lafite violets come to the fore, providing finely polished elegance to the palate. It seems discreet but the cellar master says 2015 is the most ‘concentrated’ Lafite they have made. This will show as it matures.2023-2045

timatkin.com

98 / 100

par Tim Atkin MW le 20/04/2016

Jancis Robinson

18 / 20

par Jancis Robinson le 19/04/2016

91% Cabernet Sauvignon picked 23 September to 6 October; 9% Merlot picked 17-23 September. Lustrous mid crimson. Lightly spicy nose and very smooth tannins in the Lafite style. Only just enough acidity. Blurry impression. Mild and charming - very restrained and Lafite. It builds on the end in an impressive manner. Drink 2024-2040.

Wine Enthusiast

95-97 / 100

par Roger Voss le 15/04/2016

Barrel Sample. Almost entirely Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a seriously structured wine. It has dense tannins that dominate the potential fruits with their firm, never hard touch. The fresh character of the fruits is just beginning to show in a wine that will develop slowly. 96 points

René Gabriel

20 / 20

le 10/04/2016

91 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 % Merlot. (Der Cabernet Franc und der Petit Verdot wurde deklassiert). Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Das Bouquet zeigt eine wunderbare, delikate und auch berauschende Süsse; Caramel, Sandelholz, kandierte Cakesfrüchte. Im zweiten Ansatz zeigt er ein parfümiertes Damassine-Pflaumenspiel und feinste Noten von frischem Thymian, Minze und getrockneten Küchenkräutern. Im Gaumen nonchalant, eine sehr reiche aber auch gleichzeitig ganz feine Adstringenz vermittelnd. Die Balance ist royal und alle Elemente sind am richtigen Ort. Das Gegenteil von einem Bulldozer, also einen tänzerischen, schier verspielten Spitzenwein zeigend. Und genau das darf der Lafite manchmal auch. Das wird eine ziemlich ähnliche Delikatesse wie es der 1953er in seinen allerbesten Zeiten war. 20/20 2028 – 2060

Jamessuckling.com

97-98 / 100

par James Suckling le 05/04/2016

Here is a Lafite with lots of muscle and tone. Very tannic and velvety textured.. Full body, fresh acidity and a bright finish. Shows a tenderness at the end. Gorgeous.