Pauillac

2018

1st Growth

91% Cabernet Sauvignon
8.50% Merlot
0.50% Petit Verdot

Region: Bordeaux

ESTATE HISTORY

Baron Eric de Rothschild As early as 1815, the broker Guillaume Lawton said of Château Lafite: “I classified it as possessing the most elegance and delicacy and the finest sap of the three [Premiers Crus]. The position of its vines is one of the most beautiful in the Médoc”.
In 1855, the Château will be consecrated 1st Grand Cru on the occasion of the famous Classification drawn up during the Universal Exhibition.

TERROIR

Chateau Lafite Rothschild is located to the north of the appellation, bordering Saint Estèphe. Lafite's best terroirs stretch on the 50ha Plateau des Carruades to the west of the Château. This plateau, which is the highest point of the Pauillac appellation, is well-drained and enjoys optimal sun exposure. Its clayey gravel soils offer excellent water regulating abilities, and provide optimal ripening conditions for the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Some 4.5 ha planted in the neighbouring Saint Estephe appellation, count amongst the oldest vines of the property and provide year after year grapes of outstanding quality for the Grand Vin.

VITICULTURE

The average age of the grapevines is 45 years old. Little or no chemical fertilizers are used, and careful use of organic fertilizers allow the vines to reach an advanced age, they are generally pulled out (with a heavy heart) when they reach 80 years old.

WINEMAKING

For Lafite's terroir to produce its magic, the vinification process must be carried out with extreme precision. The distribution of the grapes between wooden, stainless steel and concrete vats is determined on the basis of the characteristics of each plot and the grapes’ degree of maturity. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature with regular pumping over to gently extract all the phenolic compounds. The maceration period is around 22 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wines are transferred to French oak barrels. Lafite has its own cooperage in Pauillac, the Tonnellerie des Domaines, a factor that contributes to its unique style. Every barrel is tasted and only the best are selected for the final blend. The wine is then aged in new oak barrels for 15 months.

TASTING & FOOD PAIRINGS