CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD

Château Lafite Rothschild

APPELLATION

Pauillac

GRAPE VARIETIES

97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Merlot, .5% Petit Verdot

WINEMAKERS

Eric Kohler

TECHNICAL DATA

Acidity
3.68
Alcohol
12.5%

2017

98POINTS

JamesSuckling.com
DECEMBER 2020
2018

99POINTS

JamesSuckling.com
NOVEMBER 2021
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BACKGROUND

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of only five classified first growths and thus the designation as 1st er 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. The oldest plot, “La Gravière”, was planted in 1886. In August 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite and it has remained in the family for five generations. The property is currently run by Baron Eric de Rothschild.

VINTAGE NOTES

After a rather mild winter, there were two nights of severe frost in the spring, April 26–27, causing major damage on Bordeaux’s vineyards. Miraculously, Lafite emerged unscathed. Conditions then became excellent, with higher than usual temperatures and balanced, well-spaced rainfall. Flowering was early, and by mid-June the fruit had set almost two weeks earlier than usual. After heavy rain at the end of June, temperatures remained slightly below average for the rest of the summer. This enabled a slow, steady ripening of the grapes from “mi-véraison” (when the grapes change color) to mid-September when the harvests began. A final rainy spell from September 10–12 disrupted the otherwise perfect weather without impacting the quality of the grapes. The wines confirmed great potential, revealing a classic character.

WINEMAKING & AGEING

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 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. Every barrel is tasted individually and only the best ones are set aside for the final blend.

Once blended, the wine is aged 15 mo. more in barrels, primarily of new oak.

TASTING NOTES

Deep, dark color. Enormous aromatic potential will be revealed over time. Very fresh, with delicate notes of cedar and mint. Intense and vibrant on the palate, giving the impression of tremendous power still contained. Despite its youth, this wine presents a very harmonious character, in which one can already appreciate the qualities of a great Lafite, combining finesse and concentration.

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Château Lafite Rothschild Portfolio

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