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 ship wine to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after the shipping cutoff will be scheduled for the next available shipping day.
Los Angeles Delivery
Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles area Monday through Friday for orders placed before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please contact us to confirm availability and delivery arrangements.
Packaging & Temperature
Wine is packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to help protect both the wine and the wooden case during transit.
Because wine is temperature-sensitive, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding an order when weather conditions present an elevated risk. Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for additional information.
Weather Holds & Storage
During periods of extreme heat or cold, shipments may be delayed until conditions improve. Customers may also request that an order be held for a later shipping date.
Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the available weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to coordinate a future shipment.
Shipping Protection
Shipping protection for loss or visible damage in transit is included with eligible shipments, subject to applicable terms and carrier requirements. Temperature-related deterioration is not covered.
Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for additional details.
Adult Signature Required
All wine deliveries require an adult signature from a recipient age 21 or older. Please ensure an eligible adult is available to receive the shipment.
Additional carrier charges may apply for failed delivery attempts, address changes, redirection, returned shipments, or reshipment.
Shipping Address
Please verify your shipping address carefully before completing checkout. Additional charges resulting from an incorrect or incomplete address, rerouting, returned shipment, or reshipment are the responsibility of the customer.
International Shipping
International shipping may be available to select destinations and requires review before purchase. Please see our International Shipping Information for eligibility and inquiry details.
Where We Ship
We currently ship wine to the following U.S. states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Shipping laws and carrier availability may change. If your state is not available as a shipping destination at checkout, please contact us to confirm current eligibility.
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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