Château Lafite Rothschild

Château Lafite Rothschild: The Crown Jewel of Bordeaux

In the world of wine, few names carry the weight and prestige of Château Lafite Rothschild. Situated in the northern reaches of Pauillac, this First Growth estate has stood as a symbol of excellence for centuries, enchanting collectors and connoisseurs alike with its timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship.

A Storied Legacy

The history of Château Lafite Rothschild dates back to 1234, but it was in the late 17th century that Jacques de Ségur laid the foundation for the vineyard as we know it. By the 18th century, Lafite had become known as "The King’s Wine,"favored by the French royal court and prominent figures like Thomas Jefferson.

In 1868, Baron James de Rothschild acquired the estate, securing its place among the world’s finest wineries. Today, under the leadership of Saskia de Rothschild, Lafite continues to honor its traditions while embracing innovation, blending centuries of expertise with forward-thinking practices.

The Vineyard and Terroir

Nestled on two hillocks with exceptional exposure, Château Lafite Rothschild spans 112 hectares of vines planted on deep gravel soils over limestone. This unique terroir, combined with Bordeaux’s temperate climate, creates the perfect conditions for producing wines of remarkable complexity and longevity.

The vineyard is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), complemented by Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (2%). Each plot is carefully vinified separately, allowing for precise blending and an extraordinary expression of the estate’s character.

The Wines

• Grand Vin – Château Lafite Rothschild
  The estate’s flagship wine, known for its harmony and finesse. Expect aromas of black fruits, cedar, and violets, with a subtle graphite note and exceptional aging potential.

• Carruades de Lafite (Second Wine)
  More approachable in its youth, this wine carries the signature elegance of Lafite with a more pronounced Merlot influence, offering excellent value for its quality.

Winemaking Philosophy

Lafite combines traditional Bordeaux techniques with modern precision. The grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentation takes place in a mix of stainless steel and concrete vats for optimal control. After fermentation, the wine ages for 18–20 months in 100% new French oak barrels, many of which are produced in Lafite’s own cooperage. This meticulous approach ensures consistency and quality across vintages.

Tasting the Legend

Drinking Château Lafite Rothschild is a sensory journey. Its wines evolve beautifully over decades, offering layers of dark fruit, floral notes, and a silky, refined texture. Vintages like 1982, 1996, 2000, 2010, and 2016 have become legendary, sought after by collectors around the world.

A Sustainable Future

Under Saskia de Rothschild’s guidance, Château Lafite Rothschild is committed to sustainability and biodiversity. Precision farming, organic practices, and careful adaptation to climate change ensure that the estate remains at the forefront of viticulture while preserving its exceptional terroir for future generations.

A Final Toast

Whether you’re a collector, investor, or simply a lover of fine wine, Château Lafite Rothschild represents the pinnacle of winemaking. Each bottle tells a story of history, artistry, and passion—a story that continues to unfold with every vintage.

Raise a glass to the magic of Lafite. Santé!