97-99

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2025 Lafite-Rothschild is powerful and explosive in the glass. Dark cherry/plum fruit, graphite, new leather, graphite, licorice and lavender race across the palate. A Pauillac of mid-weight structure, the 2025 impresses with its tension and deep, layered personality. Even in the early going, the Grand Vin is so vivid, so expressive. I can't wait to taste it in finished form. For those who love data 04/2026

98-100

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2025 Lafite-Rothschild was cropped at 27 hl/ha between September 2 and 20. Eric Kohler mentioned that, unlike 2022, it underwent a longer maceration than usual because, after 24 days, he felt the wine was at ease with itself and there was no excess. That comes through completely on the deliriously intoxicating nose, replete with nuanced blackberry, bilberry and estuarine scents, all beautifully defined and seamlessly integrated with the 90% new oak that is made from Lafite’s own cooper. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiselled tannins. It is blessed with extraordinary harmony and it is so well balanced that you almost overlook the weight and minéralité towards the finish. Just a dab of graphite lingers on the aftertaste. This is a very succinct and refined Lafite-Rothschild that I suspect will drink earlier than the 2022, yet will age with equal grace in bottle. I admit that, upon returning to my car, it was only then that I realised what a brilliant wine the 2025 Lafite-Rothschild is destined to become. 05/2026

95-97

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2025 Lafite Rothschild unwinds in the glass with a deep and brooding bouquet of dark berries, violets, rose petals and pencil lead. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and layered, with suave tannins, good concentration and bright acidity, it checks in at 12.5% alcohol and an unusually low (by the standards of recent warm vintages at Lafite) pH of 3.65. Harvest began here on September 2, with the estate's old-vine Merlot beginning on September 3 and the first Cabernet Sauvignon coming in from September 11 (earlier than in 2022), and the harvest wrapped up on September 20. 04/2026

96-98

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

Checking in as 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot that's resting in 90% new French oak, the 2025 Château Lafite Rothschild sports a classic, deep ruby hue as well as a complex and classic nose of cassis, spicy wood, tobacco, violets, and graphite. It's quintessential Lafite on the palate as well, with its class, medium to full body, ripe, building, yet polished tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It checks in at 12.51% alcohol with a pH of 3.65. I love its overall balance, purity, and complexity, and I suspect it's going to continue gaining weight over the course of its élevage. 05/2026

100

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, sentant bon les aiguilles de pin. Une nuance rappelant les vins de Pessac. Ultra charnu à l'attaque, complexe au développement, riche en milieux de bouche et surtout très, très aromatique, accompagné d'un déroulé noble, le vin caresse le palais sur une nuance crémeuse évoquant la framboise. Il ne s'arrête jamais, élégant, profond et totalement incrachable. Une incroyable présence compte tenu du petit degré d'alcool d'à peine 12°5. Une pure séduction ! Assemblage : 94 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Merlot, 1 % Petit Verdot. pH : 3,65 ce qui est dans la moyenne moins. Rendement : 27 hl/ha. Assemblage avec 16 % de vin de presse. Un Lafite plus Lafite que jamais qui a fini ses vendanges une semaine avant château Margaux. Et si vous me demandez quand le boire, je serai tenté de dire : de suite ! Gourmandise oblige ! 04/2026