Chateau Lafite RothschildProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pauillac, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: First Growth

Château Lafite Rothschild, one of the most illustrious names in Bordeaux, stands as a symbol of excellence and tradition in the wine world. As a Premier Cru Classé from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Lafite Rothschild has consistently produced wines that exemplify the highest standards of quality, elegance, and longevity. The estate's rich history, combined with its exceptional terroir, has made Lafite Rothschild a benchmark for fine wine, revered by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

History of Château Lafite Rothschild

The history of Château Lafite Rothschild dates back to the 13th century, although the estate’s reputation as a wine producer began in earnest in the 17th century. The name "Lafite" is derived from the Gascon term "la hite," meaning "small hill," a reference to the estate's elevated location. The estate gained prominence in the 18th century under the ownership of the Ségur family, who were instrumental in establishing Lafite’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality. By the mid-18th century, Lafite wines were highly sought after in the royal courts of Europe, earning it the moniker "The King’s Wine."

In 1868, Château Lafite was acquired by Baron James de Rothschild, marking the beginning of the Rothschild family's stewardship of the estate. Under the Rothschilds, Lafite Rothschild further cemented its status as one of the world's greatest wine estates. The estate has remained in the Rothschild family ever since, with each generation continuing the legacy of excellence.

Despite its prestigious history, Lafite Rothschild has faced challenges over the centuries, including the phylloxera epidemic, world wars, and economic downturns. However, the estate has always emerged stronger, thanks in large part to its commitment to quality and its ability to adapt to changing times. Today, under the management of Saskia de Rothschild, the youngest person to lead the estate in its long history, Château Lafite Rothschild continues to produce wines that are the epitome of elegance and refinement.

The Terroir of Château Lafite Rothschild

The terroir of Château Lafite Rothschild is one of its most valuable assets, playing a crucial role in the quality and character of its wines. The estate’s 112 hectares of vineyards are located on the northern tip of the Pauillac appellation, with the majority of the vines planted on deep gravelly soils. These gravel soils, mixed with sand and clay, provide excellent drainage and are particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety at Lafite Rothschild.

The vineyard is planted with approximately 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and elegant, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and longevity, Merlot adding richness and suppleness, and the smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributing aromatic complexity and depth.

The estate's location near the Gironde estuary creates a unique microclimate that moderates temperatures and protects the vines from frost. This microclimate, combined with the gravelly soils, allows Château Lafite Rothschild to produce wines that are both concentrated and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Lafite Rothschild

Winemaking at Château Lafite Rothschild is a meticulous process that honours tradition while embracing modern innovations. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in large oak vats, a practice that has been used at Lafite for centuries. This traditional method allows for gentle extraction of tannins and flavours, resulting in wines that are both powerful and harmonious.

The wines are then aged in new French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, a process that enhances their complexity and structure. The use of 100% new oak each year is a hallmark of Lafite Rothschild, contributing to the wine’s ability to age for decades while developing layers of flavour and nuance. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of evolving beautifully over time.