JS96-97: A more Burgundian vintage for Lafite, with cedar, graphite, paprika, white pepper and fresh red fruit. Nuanced and refined, with a medium body and understated fruit. Intensity and concentration. It shows the Lafite hallmark of elegance, with more fluidity and crunch this year. Very long and delicate. 96% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 1% petit verdot.

VM95-97: According to Technical Director Eric Kohler, the 2024 Lafite-Rothschild was picked from September 23 to October 7 and underwent a short vinification-less than three weeks-plus a gentle extraction. The blend includes 16% vin de presse. It has an understated and typical Lafite nose with crushed stone infusing the black fruit, black olive tapenade and marine scents. It comes across as statesmanlike, which is just how you want your First Growth, even in a tricky vintage like this. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh saline notes on the entry. Tensile from the start, this has very impressive focus and is a tad more peppery than previous vintages. This is an assured Lafite-Rothschild with a very seaweed/Japanese wakame-tinged finish. Very promising and one of the very few "cerebral" Left Bank wines in 2024.

JD93-95: As to the Grand Vin, the 2024 Château Lafite-Rothschild is based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, resting in 90% new oak. It has classic Lafite aromatics of cassis, lead pencil shavings, and scorched earth, all leading to a beautifully textured, medium-bodied Pauillac with solid ripeness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length. It holds plenty of Lafite character while staying in the elegant, balanced, and moderately concentrated style of the vintage. I suspect it will be brilliant with just short-term cellaring, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve gracefully over a broad drinking window.