The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: May 2, 2011
Drink: 2017-2052

A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum. 

Decanter | D 96
Published: Oct 26, 2024
Drink: 2024-2048

Commemorating the advent of Lafite's Shandong project, the 2008 vintage carries the symbolic Chinese character ‘八’ (eight) on the bottle. A pronounced nose of menthol and forest floor unveils dark cherry and blackcurrant, seasoned with thyme and savoury leather. The palate reveals tar, leather, and blackcurrant, presenting itself as comfortably drinkable yet still holding a hidden grip. Gentle and elegant, with a chocolatey texture that caresses the pure, intense cassis; it is complex and extremely long. This wine still has decades ahead. Tasted from magnum.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 12.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 4% Cabernet Franc 83% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Merlot

Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Dec 19, 2010

Minerals, tar and sous bois with dark fruit. Sweet tobacco. Black licorice. Full and chewy with lots of fruit but very reserved. So much mineral and sweet tobacco. It is all there. Give it four to five years of bottle age before beginning to explore the wine. 

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Mar 2, 2018
Drink: 2018-2038

Tasted blind. Round, easy and charming on the nose. Dry end on the palate. Correct but not very fruity. Bit dry. Herbs, Chartreuse scents.

lafite.com

The vintage
The growing season was closely monitored, coming after a severe winter and some spring frost. Flowering was not very productive, constant humidity favoured disease and the summer was moderately warm. Fortunately, September was fine and so it was possible to wait for the grapes to fully ripen, with late harvests.
The harvest took place from the 1st to 7th October for the Merlot, & from 7th to 14th October for Cabernet Sauvignon, 9, 10 & 14 October for the Cabernet Franc & 16th October for the Petit Verdot.

Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.

Terroir
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is located to the north of the appellation, bordering Saint Estèphe. Lafite's best terroirs stretch on the 50ha Plateau des Carruades to the west of the Château. This plateau, which is the highest point of the Pauillac appellation, is well-drained and enjoys optimal sun exposure. Its clayey gravel soils offer excellent water regulating abilities, and provide optimal ripening conditions for the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Some 4.5 ha planted in the neighbouring Saint Estephe appellation, count amongst the oldest vines of the property and provide year after year grapes of outstanding quality for the Grand Vin.

Winemaking
In order to reveal the magic of Lafite’s terroir, every step of the wine elaboration is carried out with the greatest precision. Depending of their provenance and level of ripeness, grapes will be transferred into either wooden, stainless steel or concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted at controlled temperature, with regular pumping over to gently release all the phenolic compounds in the grapes. Each vat is carefully monitored and tasted daily in order to determine the best racking time. The maceration period variesfor each tank but is around 22 days in total.
After malolactic fermentation wines are transferred into French oak barrels. Lafite has its own cooperage in Pauillac, la Tonnellerie des Domaines, which contributes to its unique style. The selection for the grand vin is made in March, once the wines have settled and start revealing their full potential. Every barrel is tasted individually and only the best ones are set aside for the final blend. Once blended, the wine is aged for a further 15 months in barrels, primarily of new oak.

Grapes
83 % Cabernet sauvignon
13 % Merlot
4 % Cabernet franc

Tasting
Dominated by red fruit, the nose remains clear, precise and complex. In the mouth, the strength and classic style of this wine become apparent. There is fruit, substance, and tannins that are supple and tight at the same time.