WINEMAKER NOTES
1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild – Pauillac First Growth with Proven Longevity
The 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild is a reference-point Left Bank wine from one of the Médoc’s greatest vintages. As one of the five First Growth Bordeaux estates, Lafite has long been associated with elegance, restraint, and remarkable cellar life. The 1996 vintage embodies this legacy with impeccable structure and classic Pauillac character.
Tasting Notes
Now nearly three decades in bottle, the 1996 Lafite offers a regal profile of graphite, blackcurrant, violet, and cedar. A mineral-driven mid-palate carries notes of cigar box, crushed stone, and a whisper of earthy sous-bois. The tannins are remarkably fine and integrated, supporting a long, linear finish. A wine that demands contemplation and rewards patience.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced from the estate’s gravel-dominant parcels in Pauillac, the 1996 blend is approximately 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before aging in 100% new French oak for 18–20 months. The estate’s deep, well-drained soils and meticulous vineyard practices contribute to the wine’s purity and longevity.
Investment & Collectibility
Widely regarded as one of Lafite’s top post-1982 vintages, the 1996 has earned a place in serious collections for its balance of austerity and evolution. Its market track record remains strong, and bottles with pristine provenance are increasingly scarce. Perfect for your collection or for anchoring a vertical of Lafite Rothschild wines.
Vintage Insights
1996 was a benchmark vintage for the Left Bank, with a long, dry growing season and exceptional conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Pauillac was especially favored, yielding wines with high tannin, crisp acidities, and remarkable aging potential. Today, the 1996 Lafite is in its prime, though it continues to evolve gracefully.
Explore Related Collections
Shipping Information
Domestic Shipping
We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS or FedEx so please plan with their schedule.
Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.
Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.
Packaging & Warm/Cold Weather Shipping
To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers, with gel packs when necessary. During extreme hot and cold days, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during extreme temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to temperature exposure.
For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.
Weather Holds & Free Storage
In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.
We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.
Insurance
We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.
Adult Signature Required
All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.
Shipping Address Accuracy
Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.
States We Ship To
We ship to the following U.S. states:
Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)
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International Shipping
We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.
1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild – Pauillac First Growth with Proven Longevity
The 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild is a reference-point Left Bank wine from one of the Médoc’s greatest vintages. As one of the five First Growth Bordeaux estates, Lafite has long been associated with elegance, restraint, and remarkable cellar life. The 1996 vintage embodies this legacy with impeccable structure and classic Pauillac character.
Tasting Notes
Now nearly three decades in bottle, the 1996 Lafite offers a regal profile of graphite, blackcurrant, violet, and cedar. A mineral-driven mid-palate carries notes of cigar box, crushed stone, and a whisper of earthy sous-bois. The tannins are remarkably fine and integrated, supporting a long, linear finish. A wine that demands contemplation and rewards patience.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced from the estate’s gravel-dominant parcels in Pauillac, the 1996 blend is approximately 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before aging in 100% new French oak for 18–20 months. The estate’s deep, well-drained soils and meticulous vineyard practices contribute to the wine’s purity and longevity.
Investment & Collectibility
Widely regarded as one of Lafite’s top post-1982 vintages, the 1996 has earned a place in serious collections for its balance of austerity and evolution. Its market track record remains strong, and bottles with pristine provenance are increasingly scarce. Perfect for your collection or for anchoring a vertical of Lafite Rothschild wines.
Vintage Insights
1996 was a benchmark vintage for the Left Bank, with a long, dry growing season and exceptional conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Pauillac was especially favored, yielding wines with high tannin, crisp acidities, and remarkable aging potential. Today, the 1996 Lafite is in its prime, though it continues to evolve gracefully.
Explore Related Collections
1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild – Pauillac First Growth with Proven Longevity
The 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild is a reference-point Left Bank wine from one of the Médoc’s greatest vintages. As one of the five First Growth Bordeaux estates, Lafite has long been associated with elegance, restraint, and remarkable cellar life. The 1996 vintage embodies this legacy with impeccable structure and classic Pauillac character.
Tasting Notes
Now nearly three decades in bottle, the 1996 Lafite offers a regal profile of graphite, blackcurrant, violet, and cedar. A mineral-driven mid-palate carries notes of cigar box, crushed stone, and a whisper of earthy sous-bois. The tannins are remarkably fine and integrated, supporting a long, linear finish. A wine that demands contemplation and rewards patience.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Produced from the estate’s gravel-dominant parcels in Pauillac, the 1996 blend is approximately 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before aging in 100% new French oak for 18–20 months. The estate’s deep, well-drained soils and meticulous vineyard practices contribute to the wine’s purity and longevity.
Investment & Collectibility
Widely regarded as one of Lafite’s top post-1982 vintages, the 1996 has earned a place in serious collections for its balance of austerity and evolution. Its market track record remains strong, and bottles with pristine provenance are increasingly scarce. Perfect for your collection or for anchoring a vertical of Lafite Rothschild wines.
Vintage Insights
1996 was a benchmark vintage for the Left Bank, with a long, dry growing season and exceptional conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Pauillac was especially favored, yielding wines with high tannin, crisp acidities, and remarkable aging potential. Today, the 1996 Lafite is in its prime, though it continues to evolve gracefully.
Explore Related Collections
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