Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 1855 1er Cru 2011

 This is still young as it approaches 15 years old, but is getting into its stride, lyrical and supple, with silky black fruits and a fresh character of blackcurrant leaf and tobacco. Nothing too concentrated here, and yet it has length and character, with lace-like tannins and a strong floral character to the attack. Finessed with spice, campfire and liquorice, with a juicy lift on the finish that is going to take it through the decades to come. An early vintage following a dry summer and a hail storm in early September that speeded up harvest, and this can be approached earlier than the monumental 2009 or 2010 vintages. Charles Chevallier technical director, Baron Eric de Rothschild owner.