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. The property is currently run by Baron Eric de Rothschild.

The vineyard cycle began with a cold, relatively wet winter, resulting in a slightly later bud-break than in 2009, in mid-April. Growth was then boosted by dry, sunny weather in April. June began with a cold spell that complicated the flowering of the Merlot, resulting in flower abortion and uneven grape size. Fortunately, July was very dry (less than 20 mm of rain) with relatively high temperatures. August and September were very dry, with beautiful daytime temperatures and cool nights creating ideal conditions for the grapes to slowly reach optimum ripeness.

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 for a further 20 months in barrels, primarily of new oak.

Fine, concentrated colour. Solid and dense in the mouth, presenting good structure and well-defined tannins. A long, lingering wine with notes of violets on the finish. The 2010 is an elegant wine with excellent balance.