The poised provocateur.
In a vintage known for generosity and sun-kissed fruit, Lafite 1989 stayed graceful—some say too graceful. It was overshadowed early by bolder wines, but time has vindicated it. Today, it shows the elegance of a tightrope walker over warm gravel.
Sandalwood, dried raspberry, pencil shavings, and a wisp of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with Lafite’s signature lift and a persistent, savoury finish. Less muscle than its peers, but more poetry.
Unlike many Left Bank estates that embraced extraction in ’89, Lafite played it cool. That decision led to early criticism—but decades later, the wine is aging with more grace than many of its louder neighbours.
94/100
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.