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 Chateau
Lafite-Rothschild
Planted in the 14th Century, this vineyard has had the same form
for three centuries. Château Lafite-Rothschild has been seen as the most
aristocratic of the first growths. It became a Rothschild property in 1868,
thanks to Baron James de Rothschild. The land's wine history goes back to Roman
times, with stops on the best tables of judges of the Middle Ages, King Louis
XV, Madame de Pompadour and the president of the local parliament until he was
guillotined during the French Revolution. The property passed from the state to
Dutch and British owners before settling with the Rothschild's. The 20th century has seen periods of success and difficulty, coping with post-phylloxera vines, and two world wars. During the Second World War the Château was occupied by the German army, and suffered heavily from plundering of its cellars. Succeeding his uncle Élie de Rothschild, Lafite has been under the direction of Eric de Rothschild since 1974.
The château, set behind a lake and a park, is still a family home to Baron Eric
de Rothschild, who has maintained his family's intense interest in the property.
The cellars, including the newly constructed circular barrel hall, are
impressive. Vinification still takes place in wood vats, and aging is in 100
percent new oak from the chateau’s own cooperage. There are approximately 103 hectares under vine, making it the largest of the First Growths, indeed one of the largest in Bordeaux. A majority of the vineyard lies adjacent to the Château-building on a deep bed of gravel mixed with Aeolian sands upon a sub-strata of limestone.
A second wine, Les Carruades de Lafite Rothschild, is the equal of many
lesser-classed growths.
The wines of Chateau Lafite have elegance, bouquet and depth, it
is also one of the most long-lived wines in the world.
Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 2000 Exceptional
Rated 100 Robert Parker 100 Wine
Spectator
The opaque purple-colored 2000 Lafite-Rothschild has put on
weight. Despite the fact that it is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and only 7% Merlot,
it is the essence of Lafite, a full, ripe, concentrated and muscular wine. The
wine boasts layers of concentration as well as phenomenal purity and
personality. The finish lasts over a minute. It is a compelling effort (only 36%
of the crop made it into Lafite) from what is undoubtedly the greatest vintage
Bordeaux has enjoyed from a perspective of the number of prodigious wines
produced.
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2003 Pauillac Bordeaux, France
Revealing enormous richness, flesh, and succulence, the 2003 Lafite Rothschild is one of the candidates for “wine of the vintage.” A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple ruby, very rich on the glass, almost the
glycerin of a vintage Port, marvelous nose of wild violets, with a floral fragrance that explodes onto the palate, beautiful tannins and great length, a great wine. Robert Parker Rating 98-100
$499.99
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