Château Lafite Rothschild

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of only five classified first growths and thus the designation as 1er Cru Classé. The vintage rankings of the Universal Paris Exposition in 1855 officially gave Lafite the rating as “Leader among fine wines.” The vineyard covers 264 acres and is divided into three separate areas: the hilly ground close to the Château, the plateau of the Carruades and a plot in the commune of Saint Estèphe (special permission was granted to incorporate these wines into the Pauillac appellation). The soil is composed of fine gravel mixed with aeolian sand and planted with four classic Médoc grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The average age of the vines is 35 years but those that produce the Grand Vin selection are 45 years or older. In August 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite and it has remained in the family for six generations.

On the eve of the 150th anniversary of the acquisition of Château Lafite by the Rothschilds, the teams faced major challenges due to the weather. From December to July, unremitting rain increased the risk of mildew and hail. The summer only really started in mid-July with very high, sometimes extreme heat, which helped to restore the vines’ health and set the path to a great vintage. The harvest was focused solely on obtaining optimal ripeness. The perfect health of the grapes enabled us to apply rigorous standards to the quality of our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which proved to be exceptional.

Depending of their provenance and level of ripeness, grapes are transferred into either wooden, stainless steel or concrete vats. The maceration period varies for each tank but is around 22 days in total. After malolactic fermentation wines are transferred into French oak barrels from la Tonnellerie des Domaines (the Lafite cooperage in Pauillac), which contributes to its unique style. The grand vin selection is made in March, once the wines have settled and start revealing their full potential. Once blended, the wine is aged 15 mo. more in barrels, primarily of new oak.

Dark colour with glints of purple giving the wine a bright, lively appearance. The nose is still quite closed but suggests tremendous depth. Aromas of black and red fruit, and cedar, characteristic of Lafite's wines, then emerge. On the palate, the remarkable blend expresses its full harmony and power in a long, fresh finish.