Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru 1998

Parker: A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, this wine represents only 34% of Lafite's total harvest. In a less than perfect Medoc vintage, it has been spectacular since birth, putting on more weight and flesh over the last year. This opaque purple-colored 1998 is close to perfection. The spectacular nose of lead pencil, smoky, mineral, and black currant fruit soars majestically from the glass. The wine is elegant yet profoundly rich, revealing the essence of Lafite's character. The tannin is sweet, and the wine is spectacularly layered yet never heavy. The finish is sweet, super-rich, yet impeccably balanced and long (50+ seconds). Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035. 98/100

Lobenberg: Lobenberg: In der Nase äußerst anregende Düfte von Rauch, Mineralien und schwarzer Johannisbeere, am Gaumen elegant, mit süßen Tanninen und einem ungeheuer langem, balancierten und weichen Finale. 95-97/100