🏰 The 1987 vintage for Bordeaux was a challenging one, marked by a cold winter, damp spring, and a cool, cloudy summer, followed by heavy rains at harvest that diluted the crop. Despite these difficulties, Château Lafite Rothschild 1987 has shown surprising elegance and grace in its aging. Robert Parker rated it 87 points, describing it as an "immensely charming wine," while Wine Spectator gave it 88 points, calling it "A good Lafite." This wine is light-bodied with a soft, supple texture and crisp acidity, displaying an absence of harsh tannins. The bouquet reveals lead-pencil, vanillin, leafy, and cedary notes, with hints of buttery, spicy wood and modest cherry flavours. With age, it has developed a silky texture, flavours of ripe black berries, leather, and a hint of truffle, supported by well-integrated tannins and an elegant structure leading to a long, refined finish. 【A surprisingly elegant and gracefully aged Lafite from a challenging vintage】. It stands as a testament to Lafite's inherent finesse, which can shine even in less heralded years. 🥂 For a wine of this venerable age, careful handling is paramount. Old corks and capsules can be fragile; use a Durand or Ah-So opener. Stand the bottle upright for several days before serving to allow any sediment to settle. Decant briefly, perhaps 10-15 minutes, to separate the wine from its sediment and allow it to breathe, but avoid over-decanting as very old wines can fade quickly. Serve at cellar temperature, around 16-18°C (60-64°F). This 1987 Lafite is ideal for a milestone anniversary, a significant birthday celebration, or an intimate gathering of connoisseurs appreciating the nuances of aged Bordeaux. 🍴 Given its delicate and mature profile, pair this Lafite with simpler, elegant dishes that won't overpower its subtle complexities. Perfectly roasted chicken, delicate lamb preparations, or a classic beef tenderloin with minimal sauce would be excellent choices. It also complements aged hard cheeses or a simple charcuterie board. Avoid overly spicy or heavily sauced dishes that could clash with its refined character.