Bright medium ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice, lead pencil, violet and minerals. Extremely primary and pure, with sharply defined cassis, violet and mineral flavors of great class. Conveys a rare lightness of touch for today Bordeaux. Finishing flavors grip the palate in a way too few wines from this vintage do. Very strong but subtle on the back end

Well, well, well - Lafite Rothschild does it again. Ever since manager Charles Chevalier was transferred from his beloved Sauternes property of Rieussec (also owned by the Rothschilds) to Lafite in 1994, there has been a succession of profound wines to emerge from this noble estate. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.7% Merlot (only 36% of the crop made the grade) has an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by an extraordinary aromatic expression of liquid minerals/stones interwoven with the tell-tale graphite notes, mulberry, black currants, caramel, and tobacco. In the mouth, it is remarkably light on its feet, but somehow seems to pack intense flavors into layer upon layer of fruit and richness that cascade over the palate. A compelling wine, with extraordinary precision, great intensity, and a seamlessness in spite of what are obviously elevated levels of tannin, this wine was provocatively open and beautiful when tasted in January and February, but I am sure it will soon close down. The finish lasted a whopping 72 seconds! This is utterly fascinating stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2050.

Perhaps of all the first growths in the totally un-classic 2000, this retains most of the classic Bordeaux. It is certainly almost black in color, while the new wood flavors are very present. But it shows an impressive restraint, leaving the power of the wine to be revealed over the years rather than immediately. This could well be the longest-lived of the Pauillac first growths.

The nose is fresh, bright, and dense. With aromas of violets, minerals, spices, cool stones, mint, dark fruits, and plum skins, this is beautiful. Very much still a baby right now, it needs much more time. This is a wine for the next generation. Finesse and elegance, truly a wine that makes you contemplate life. This is not about power, there is really nothing like it. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon. Do not even think about touching this for another ten years, 2020. 15+25+25+35. Find the wine

The 2000 Lafite Rothschild was incredibly refined with a core of spine and cedar. 'Accesible?' Mike questioned. Jim called it 'guarded' but still loved it. This wine was beautiful with a flash of flesh and a thick finish. Stu picked up on 'graphite,' and the wine got gamier in the glass. Although not usually a Lafite fan, I have to admit the 2000 was stupendous. Mike concurred that of all the First Growths, his money was on Lafite for the long-term. He was then interrupted on his cell phone with an important call from China