Château Lafite Rothschild
The vintage
A record-breaking level of downy mildew pressure emerged as early as the beginning of spring, encouraged by unsettled weather throughout the season. This had a significant impact on yields, which were already affected by coulure (poor fruit set). From mid-July until September, the rain stopped, giving way to a dry spell. Water stress quickly set in across the vineyard, allowing véraison to begin and raising hopes for a fine vintage. Rain returned in early September, prompting concerns about botrytis pressure, but the grapes held up well. Technological ripeness remained below optimum levels and progressed little until the week commencing 18 September. Yet, surprisingly, the berries tasted very well, showing no vegetal character and displaying ripe tannins.
Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.
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.
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
The nose restrained at first, opens up with aeration revealing red fruit and ripe, concentrated blackcurrant, lifted by a delicate hint of menthol. Notes of morello cherry and citron soon emerge, subtly interwoven with a touch of graphite, bringing depth to the wine.
The palate opens with freshness and immediate density. It is full-bodied, supported by silky, delicate tannins that have already been harmoniously integrated through ageing.
The finish is mouth-watering, delicate and long, with blackcurrant notes carrying through to the end.
The power is undoubtedly there, still held in reserve. It hints at a wine ready to unfold with time: a wine for the cellar, with much still to reveal.
Alcohol content
12,5
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 96 %
Merlot
: 3 %
Petit verdot
: 1 %