I am embarrassed about writing this, but the 1984 Château Lafite was the first wine that I ever tasted - I was only 10. My father had been given some 1984 Châteaux Talbot and Lafite for what I imagine was for an act of kindness. He let me have a little taste of both. To this day I always remember thinking how much better the Lafite was, but also how pretentious I sound now! It was a difficult vintage but even as a child I may have got it right.

After all these years, I have met up with this important old friend again. Having never having drunk it since, I have no idea how it is doing, but having come directly from the Château it is looking fabulous and in a rare Jeroboam, I can only imagine that it is wonderful. Recent tasting notes suggest that it is drinking very well - typically feminine and elegant, but without the weight of the more glamourous vintages. With soft tannins and acidity, it still shows great balance with the quintessential cassis, tobacco and graphite. After 40 years, there are only tiny amounts of the 1984 in the world, thus making this bottle truly exceptional.   

I don't have my father around these days to return the favour, but I hope the new buyer can create another long and happy memory with this wine and vintage.

Further fine vintages of Chateau Lafite from this private collection, including magnums of 1979, 1989 and 2009, can also be found in the auction on 23 July. 

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Tuesday 23 July (starting at 10.30am BST) at Forum Auctions in London, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available in person at Forum Auctions, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids through Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the sale.

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

THINKING OF SELLING? 
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact: 

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Caroline Shepherd | Violette Jongbloed | Dianne Wall
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 527
Main tel: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com 

Request a valuation