Chateau Lafite Rothschild Wine
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild Wine

Bordeaux Wine, Pauillac
 
 
 
Chateau Lafite Rothschild Wine
Location: The vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild sits on the highest knoll of the Pauillac area. (Appellation Pauillac Controlée)

222 acres producing 22,000-30,000 cases.

Classification: First Growth

Second Label: Carruades de Lafite

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 80 to 95%, Merlot 5 to 20%, Cabernet franc and Petit Verdot 0 to 3%. Note that there are a few differing cases such as vintage 1994 : 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot, vintage 1961 : 100% of Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification and aging: Length of ageing in oak barrels : 18 to 20 months, including 100% new barrels. Clarified with egg whites.

History: The quality of Château Lafite Rothschild needs no introduction. As early as 1815, Abraham Lawton had already designated it as leader: “I ranked it as being the most elegant and delicate, with the finest body of the three (leading wines)” he qualified in 1855. As to Château Lafite traits shared by all vintage years, it was an enlightened amateur that summed it up best by saying “...whatever the case, all the Château Lafite wines have an almond and violet aroma!”

Style: Dark ruby color, ripe black currants, violets and vanilla, spicy, oaky scents. The wine has great finesse and a particular softness imparted by the Merlot. It tends to be firm yet delicate and supple, great elegance develops with age.

Food: An excellent accompaniment to duck, veal, lamb and all red meats.


* Wine maker notes
 

2002 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Château LAFITE ROTHSCHILD, 1st Cru Classé, Pauillac
The early bud burst due to a hot and dry winter was followed by a rather cold and rainy period during flowering which led to incidents such as coulure (flower abortion) and millerandage (poor fertilization with mixed size berries). As from the beginning of June, the yield was expected to be low. The rather cool months of July and August were unexceptional as was the weather since the beginning of the year. However, this did not halt the ripening and veraison of the grapes. The weather was excellent when the harvest neared; September was superb, sunny and dry with a north-east wind which accelerated the ripening process. A radiant sun shone throughout the harvests, which allowed the grapes to reach full maturity calmly. The Merlots were picked between 26 September and 1 October, followed by the superb Cabernet Francs, then the Cabernet Sauvignons until 8 October and to end with the Petit Verdots.
During the ‘en primeur’ tasting, this vintage illustrated density and full-body, with firm tannins and texture. It is well-balanced with great length. (Wine maker notes)

1997 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Château LAFITE ROTHSCHILD, 1st Cru Classé, Pauillac
On 8 September, Lafite took out the shears to clip the first Merlots: this early season came after ideal weather in the winter and in the spring. On the other hand, the summer turned out rather rainy. Fortunately, like the year before, the harvest was welcomed with sunny skies. This is one of the longest harvests that Lafite has ever conducted. Sorting was performed attentively in order to verify the health of the grapes. The wine has a spicy bouquet, a silky and sweet palate, with a fruity and full finish. The maturity of this delicious vintage will certainly come sooner than its two older siblings, 1995 and 1996. (Wine maker notes)


1994 Chateau Lafite rothschild Pauillac
.Château LAFITE ROTHSCHILD, 1st Cru Classé, Pauillac
The harvests took place in excellent weather conditions. At the beginning of the winemaking process, the grapes showed stupendous potential after exceptional maceration. 1994 has a fine concentration and a dark magenta color. The delicate structure of this rolls over velvety tannins. It ages very well. (Wine maker notes)

1991 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Château LAFITE ROTHSCHILD, 1st Cru Classé, Pauillac
A classical harvest with alternating rain and sun, but the properties had already suffered the worst frosts in decades. Nevertheless, the vintage is surprising in its quality and consistence. It has a fine color and is very sincere, with a developed structure. The tannins are smooth, light but mature. It has a long finish. (Wine maker notes)


1985 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Château LAFITE ROTHSCHILD, 1st Cru Classé, Pauillac
The 1985 vintage signals recurrent success. The same weather conditions as in 1982, meaning continuing sun from July to September, produce similar results: grapes with thick skins, with condensed and supple tannins, and intense aromas. This grapes have produced complete and velvety wines, with complex bouquets; possibly even more elegant than the 1982 vintage. Ideal weather in the month of September made 1985 an exceptional vintage, recalling Médoc’s fabulous 1953 wines. Delicious even young, it can be enjoyed soon, while also benefiting from aging. (Wine maker notes)

 

 

 

 


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