Features a charcoal coating, along with singed bay and tobacco leaf notes, melding pleasantly with the core of lightly steeped black currant and bitter plum fruit. Shows ample length and depth, with the grip striding through the finish.

Layers of blackberry and boysenberry fruit, still that hint of juniper berry, certainly a more extrovert Lafite-Rothschild compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, very focused and quite linear, again with plenty of black fruit laced with cedar and tobacco.

Stunning length and caressing mouthfeel, as layers of creamed plum, blackberry coulis and steeped black currant fruit glides along seamlessly intertwined with black tea, mulled blood orange, incense and lilac. Full-bodied, rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting taut, muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.