Chateau Lafite Rothschild

The vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are found at the northern tip of the Pauillac appellation. The current owners, the Rothschilds of the famous banking dynasty, bought the property in 1866, but this is a different branch of the family from that which purchased Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.

With a base largely of gravel, the vineyard is unsurprisingly dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (71%) with the balance comprising Merlot (25%) Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified. The Grand Vin volume varies greatly according to the vintage, but is frequently less than half the total crop, and is usually no more than 20,000 cases. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, after which the wine is run off into barrels, 100% new for Lafite itself.

Throughout the 20th century Lafite was dogged by periods of inconsistency, often producing sublime wines but failing to live up to its billing in other years. However since 1994, under the control of Charles Chevallier, Lafite has achieved an admirable level of consistency with some remarkable wines often vying for the title of “Wine of the Vintage”.

In style, Lafite wines are often described as having a perfumed elegance and finesse, to contrast with the more masculine power and structure of Latour or the more exotic and intense flavours of Mouton. In great years the wine has the ability to age for at least 50 years, often longer.

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