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Located in Pauillac within the Left Bank's Medoc region, Lafite boasts a rich history traceable back to the 13th century, with records of it as a wine producer as early as 1234. In 1855, it was classified as a First Growth in the prestigious Grand Cru Classe 1855 of Medoc. The Rothschild era began in 1868 when Baron James de Rothschild acquired Lafite, and it has remained under the stewardship of his descendants ever since. Despite challenges like the phylloxera crisis and the impacts of two World Wars, Lafite has maintained its esteemed status and legendary allure. The Rothschild family expanded their Bordeaux holdings over the years, acquiring Chateau Duhart-Milon in Pauillac in 1962, Chateau Rieussec in Sauternes in 1984, and Chateau L’Evangile in Pomerol in 1990, further cementing their legacy in the wine world.

Today, Lafite and its sibling estates continue to be leaders in fine wine, under the careful management of the Rothschild family. The estate is renowned for its premier wine, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and its second wine, Carruades de Lafite. The vineyards of the Chateau are strategically positioned in the northern part of Pauillac, adjacent to St. Estephe, with the prized terroir centered on the high Plateau des Carruades. This elevated area, the highest in Pauillac, enjoys superb drainage and optimal sunlight exposure. Its clayey gravel soil is ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, providing excellent conditions that contribute to the complexity and renown of Lafite's wines.

To harness the full potential of Lafite's exceptional terroir, the vinification process is executed with meticulous precision. The allocation of grapes among wooden, stainless steel, and concrete vats is carefully determined based on the unique characteristics of each plot and the maturity level of the grapes. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted under controlled temperatures, accompanied by regular pumping over to ensure a gentle yet thorough extraction of phenolic compounds. This phase typically lasts about 22 days. Following this, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, after which it is transferred to French oak barrels crafted in Lafite’s own cooperage, the Tonnellerie des Domaines. This bespoke approach to barrel-making is a key element in defining Lafite’s distinctive style. Every barrel is tasted and only the finest are chosen for the final blend. The wine then matures in new oak barrels for a period of 15 months, further enhancing its complexity and character.

Chateau Lafite Rothschild masterfully crafts wines that embody the elegance of Pauillac. Its young wines are alive with vibrant, fresh fruit flavors, characterized by a dynamic palate of berries and delicate spices, and supported by robust, pronounced tannins that infuse them with youthful energy. These wines radiate a freshness in their aroma, hinting at an emerging complexity that is yet to fully develop. In stark contrast, the estate's vintage wines, matured over years or even decades, display a rich, nuanced spectrum of flavors. In these aged vintages, the tannins mellow and integrate seamlessly, resulting in a smooth, refined texture. Aromatically, they offer a rich tapestry of evolved scents, from dried fruits and leather to earthy, woody notes, each sip a testament to the transformative power of time in the cellars of this iconic estate.