1942 Lafite Rothschild

The 1942 Lafite-Rothschild shows a clear colour and a decent amount of bricking on the rim. What I love about the nose is that it delivers all the signature traits of this First Growth: light vestiges of red fruit, autumn leaves, touches of leather and fireside hearth. It gently builds in the glass and coheres wonderfully, but it is a Lafite, so it never gains intensity. Likewise, the palate is fresh on the entry with lace-like tannins that support the pretty remnants of red fruit. This comes across as a “transparent” Bordeaux, not much grip, yet there is presence and tension, with just a little flesh towards the off-dry finish. Glorious!