Mature First Growths, Barolo heavyweights, and Grand Cru Burgundies have long been touted as the pinnacle of luxury wine, so when we heard whispers about the availability of a private, jewel-box cellar filled with these rare treasures, we lunged at the opportunity. Our concierge team flew to Vail, Colorado last weekend to verify and haul away the spoils, and while most cuvées are only available in single-digit quantities, there were just enough 1989 Lafite Rothschild splits (375ml) to showcase to our loyal subscribership.

I don’t think it’s necessary to wax rhapsodic about Lafite—after all, it’s been deemed “The King’s Wine” for centuries and has long upheld its luxury “cult” status as one of the world’s five Premier Grand Cru Classés. Furthermore, it’s been documented on several accounts that when Lafite Rothschild’s cellar master wants to show someone a perfect example of Pauillac, he will uncork today’s savory and supremely elegant 1989. Bottom line: When connoisseurs open the very best, wines like today’s ’89 Lafite are among them. This is the vertiginous, blue-chip peak of Pauillac, Bordeaux, and all of red wine. Due to the smaller format, we are allowing up to three half-bottle purchases today, so we expect these to vanish lightning-quick. 

NOTE: We anticipate an August 25th arrival date for this parcel. If you’re interested in acquiring some of the other exceedingly rare gems from this private cellar acquisition, please reach out to advisors@sommselect.com

Because First Growth Lafite has been idolized and written about ad nauseam over the decades—for good reason—coupled with the fact that we have so little to share with all of you, we’re practicing extreme brevity today and jumping right into the important details. Notably, the fill level and condition of each half-bottle was closely checked, and the entire cellar (located in Denver) is being carefully shipped to our warehouse as we speak. 

The 1989 harvest was the earliest in Pauillac since 1893, and it produced an incredibly ripe and concentrated crop that was meticulously harvested by hand. The final blend was 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot that matured in 100% new French barrels for 20 months. Although we were unable to taste it, the wine has been showered with praise from all of the critics: Lafite compares its combination of richness and elegance to their legendary ’82; Decanter called it “beautiful, rich and still extremely young, Lafite at its gulpable, elegant, sculpted, age-defying best”; and John Gilman nominated it as “one of [his] favorite wines from this very, very successful decade.”

I recommend using an ah-so to remove the cork and decanting gently for sediment, leaving the last ounce or so in the bottle. Serve around 60-65 degrees in Bordeaux stems and savor it slowly throughout an entire evening. While I believe this mature, First Growth Grand Vin is at its peak, it will continue to drink beautifully over the next decade. Cheers.