[80CS/20M] Ripe blackberry fruit hinted at on the nose; a medium weight wine, firm in both tannin and acid; a core of briskly ripe fruit, finesse and subtlety yes, long across the palate and long and crisp and aromatic, almost lemony to finish; not quite the effortless quality, scope and depth of the best Lafites of the past ten years, and a some way from its 2009/2010. Clearly both complexity and tenacity of flavour here but slightly hard work and certainly long term. The manager, Charles Chevalier, described it as «1980’s style, very classic ». 2025-40+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

Good full ruby-purple; this really stains the glass. Highly expressive aromas of blackberry, crushed strawberry, flint, cedar, pepper and herbs. Rich and bright in the mouth, with pungent minerality and a cedary note keeping the dark and red fruit flavors fresh. The long finish features lovely floral lift and substantial but ripe tannins. This strikes me as a very successful Lafite. Ian D'Agata

The 2011 Lafite-Rothschild was impressive from barrel. It is very composed on the nose with brambly red fruit, loam, touches of sous-bois (decayed autumn leaves). After five minutes, there is a noticeable liquorice scent. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, a little soft in the middle with a fleshy tarry, liquorice-infused finish that just tapers away. Elegant, refined, but not the First Growth's strongest effort from this period. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot (harvested between September 3-21), the 2011 Lafite Rothschild came in at 12.6% natural alcohol (considerably lower than in 2010 and 2009). Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color, lots of crushed rock, red and black currant, forest floor and underbrush characteristics, moderate tannin and medium body, it is built somewhat along the lines of the 1999 and 2001. It should be a 20- to 25-year wine, but it is not at the level of the 2008, 2009 and 2010. Fresh acids give the wine a somewhat more clipped feeling than most great Lafites have exhibited. Nevertheless, there is a lot of freshness and vibrancy to this vintage. 90-93 points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #200, April 2012)

Inky black core. Definite herbaceous aroma of cassis leaf, cedary cassis. Pretty leafy on the palate too but adds freshness. Cabernet Franc-like character although I believe the blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Chalky-dry tannins. A bit drying on the finish but has leafy elegance. – Julia Harding (jancisrobinson.com, Jan 2015)