A Wine that Stands the Test of Time

Château Lafite Rothschild 1990 (3 double magnums)

Pauillac, Bordeaux

From the first known reference in 1234 to its remarkable vintages in the twenty-first century, Château Lafite Rothschild is laden with history. During the mid-eighteenth century and due to a high approval rating from King Louis XV, Lafite was sought by everyone in Versailles. Before becoming President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson traveled to Bordeaux as Minister to France in May 1787 and remained a customer of Château Lafite for the rest of his life! To avoid confiscation from German invasion throughout the early 1940s, Lafite served as an agricultural vocational school. Since the Barons de Rothschild reclaimed the vineyard at the end of 1945, they have steadily produced high-quality Bordeaux.

This 1990 vintage "possesses some firmness, and performs like a late adolescent in terms of its evolution, it boasts gorgeous aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and lead pencil shavings. The explosive aromas are followed by a fleshy, full-bodied wine? and [will] last for 25-30 more [years]" (Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate). Like the Château Lafite Rothschild and Margaux featured in lots 2, 24, 28, 29, 37 and 50, these three double magnums come from the collection of the late Aubrey K. McClendon-a man who knew his Bordeaux throughout the ages. Take home this timeless wine tonight!

Generously contributed by Greg and Mamie Case

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Interested in bidding by phone during the Live Auction? Please call 312.827.5682 to make arrangements.