Chateau Lafite Rothschild - Pauillac 1er Grand Cru classe Red 1990

Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (9%), Petit Verdot (1%)

Tasting notes

The 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild, a Premier Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac, stands as a benchmark vintage—celebrated for its classic Bordeaux character, aging grace, and unmistakable Lafite elegance.

In the glass, it shows a deep, saturated ruby hue with subtle brick reflections at the rim. The nose is beautifully evolved, offering a complex tapestry of cassis, cedar, and earthy undertones, lifted by hints of black pepper, tobacco leaf, and a faint, intriguing trace of shoe polish—a hallmark of mature Lafite.

The palate is full-bodied and refined, with finely integrated tannins and a graceful structure. Flavors of blackcurrant, dried herbs, leather, and spice unfold across a long, layered finish, showcasing both power and finesse.

Initially tight in its youth, this vintage has matured into a harmonious and expressive wine, offering a deep sense of place and time. A true testament to the terroir of Pauillac, the 1990 Lafite remains on a superb trajectory and will continue to evolve for decades to come.

Expert ratings

Wine Spectator 95 Points

Robert Parker 95 Points

Decanter 95 Points

About the winey

The iconic Château Lafite Rothschild was classified as a first growth in 1855 and has been in the Rothschild family since 1868. Today, Lafite is headed up by Saskia de Rothschild, daughter of long-time steward Baron Eric de Rothschild.

Château Lafite Rothschild is an iconic first-growth property in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. It achieved its top-tier rank in 1855 and has been in the Rothschild family since 1868. Today, Lafite is headed up by Saskia de Rothschild, daughter of long-time steward Baron Eric de Rothschild.

The property is located at the northern tip of Pauillac, separated by St Estèphe by marshland and the Jalle de Breuil stream. Two areas of the vineyard are particularly notable: the gravel plateau, which is the heart of the grand vin; and the Plateau de Carruades, from which Lafite’s second wine takes its name. The vineyard is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), along with Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%).

A new cellar was completed here in time for the 2011 harvest, with a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks, of varying sizes. The barrels come from Lafite’s own cooperage, located not far from the property. In addition to its 110 hectares of vines, the estate has 300 hectares of woods and marshes. The team consider this to be an integral part of the ecosystem.