1983 - Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

The 1983 Lafite-Rothschild is one of my favorite vintages of the decade, and this bottle, served blind, replicates its showing at their 150th anniversary vertical. However, at first, it feels a little disjointed on the nose, but it coheres in the glass, offering lovely blackberry fruit, hints of pain d'épices, black truffle and meat juices. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine-boned tannins, tobacco and morels. There's a bit more white pepper on the finish of this bottle, though persistent as ever. What a wonderful Lafite-Rothschild that, at 40 years, continues to go strong. Tasted blind at dinner at a nearby Pauillac château.