{"product_id":"chateau-lafite-rothschild-1996","title":"1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild","description":"\u003ch2\u003e1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild – Pauillac First Growth with Proven Longevity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild\u003c\/strong\u003e is a reference-point Left Bank wine from one of the Médoc’s greatest vintages. As one of the five \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/collections\/first-growth-bordeaux\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFirst Growth Bordeaux\u003c\/a\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow nearly three decades in bottle, the 1996 Lafite offers a regal profile of \u003cstrong\u003egraphite\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eblackcurrant\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eviolet\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ecedar\u003c\/strong\u003e. A mineral-driven mid-palate carries notes of \u003cstrong\u003ecigar box\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecrushed stone\u003c\/strong\u003e, and a whisper of \u003cstrong\u003eearthy sous-bois\u003c\/strong\u003e. The tannins are remarkably fine and integrated, supporting a long, linear finish. A wine that demands contemplation and rewards patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinemaking \u0026amp; Vineyard Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced from the estate’s gravel-dominant parcels in Pauillac, the 1996 blend is approximately \u003cstrong\u003e83% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e17% Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInvestment \u0026amp; Collectibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidely 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/collections\/chateau-lafite-rothschild\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLafite Rothschild wines\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVintage Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1996 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExplore Related Collections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/collections\/pauillac\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePauillac Wines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/collections\/bordeaux\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBordeaux Wines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/collections\/first-growth-bordeaux\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFirst Growth Bordeaux\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/collections\/chateau-lafite-rothschild\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eChâteau Lafite Rothschild Wines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Chateau Lafite Rothschild","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":43390312218816,"sku":"CLR-B96-750","price":1365.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":46496041337024,"sku":"CLR-B96-150","price":2490.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"12-Pack OWC 750 mL","offer_id":46633288892608,"sku":"CLR-B96-712","price":15750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/4310\/4704\/products\/Lafite_Rothschild_Pauillac_bottle_front.jpg?v=1750419617","url":"https:\/\/angrywinemerchant.com\/products\/chateau-lafite-rothschild-1996","provider":"Angry Wine Merchant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}