Château Lafite Rothschild
Presentation
Les vendanges se sont déroulées sur septembre et octobre : les Merlots et Cabernets Francs du 27 septembre au 4 octobre, suivis par les Cabernets Sauvignons du 4 au 15 octobre.
The vintage
After a tough fight against oidium in June, that we managed to overcome thanks to technical progress, summer and September were warm and dry giving perfectly ripe grapes. As a result, the Cabernets and Merlots were full of colour with plenty of structure and tannins.
They took place over September and October. The Merlots and Cabernet Franc were picked from 27 September to 4 October, and the Cabernet Sauvignon followed from 4 to 15 October.
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
In order to reveal the magic of Lafite’s terroir, every step of the wine elaboration is carried out with the greatest precision. Depending of their provenance and level of ripeness, grapes will be transferred into either wooden, stainless steel or concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted at controlled temperature, with regular pumping over to gently release all the phenolic compounds in the grapes. Each vat is carefully monitored and tasted daily in order to determine the best racking time. The maceration period variesfor each tank but is around 20 days in total.
After malolactic fermentation wines are transferred into French oak barrels. Lafite has its own cooperage in Pauillac, la Tonnellerie des Domaines, which contributes to its unique style. The selection for the grand vin is made in March, once the wines have settled and start revealing their full potential. Every barrel is tasted individually and only the best ones are set aside for the final blend.
Once blended, the wine is aged for a further 20 months in barrels, primarily of new oak.
Grapes
Tasting
Cedar on the nose, with well-polished leather and young fruit notes. Very precise on the palate with little evolution in age. Ripe and supple tannins. Excellent length.
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