The porcelain Pauillac.
Among the 1980s Lafites, the ’88 is perhaps the most aristocratic—less opulent than ’82, more composed than ’89. It’s a wine that whispers rather than shouts, with Lafite’s hallmark finesse wrapped in a firm, classic frame.
Dried rose, graphite, redcurrant, and old cedar. The palate is linear and poised, with fine acidity and a cool, gravelly length. Still elegant, still evolving—like a chamber piece played in perfect tempo.
1988 was the first vintage bottled entirely at the château under strict new protocols. It marked a modernisation step for Lafite’s cellar practices—but the wine stayed firmly traditional in style.
A small note on our tasting impressions
Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.
As for the fun facts?
All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.