1959 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) [High Shoulder]

1959 Lafite – Hedonist’s Gazette – June 2, 2006: No one does a better fresh Berkshire Ham than Daniel Boulud. These black pigs, which were brought to this country by English colonists, produce hams with surreal levels of flavor. The Jeroboam of 1959 Lafite Rothschild that accompanied it was spectacular. If there is a fully mature Lafite to die for, that delivers all the goods, it is probably the 1959. Some subsequent vintages may mimic the style of the 1959 (most notably the 1982 and 2003), but the 1959 lives up to everything one has ever read about this renowned wine. An ethereal perfume, an extraordinary creme de cassis, lead pencil, spice box, and cedar-scented nose, and wonderfully voluptuous, but delicate flavors with mindboggling intensity and penetration on the palate result in a glorious wine. The 1959 is currently my all-time favorite Lafite Rothschild, but I have high hopes that the 1982 will come close, and the 1986 and 1996, although made in different styles, will rival it, as will the 2003.