Ch Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Classe, Pauillac
Background Information
The celebrated growth of Lafite is of remote origin and very ancient renown. It occupies the finest crests in Pauillac, a region the Latin poet Ausonius spoke of as early as the year 325 B.C. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Seigneurs of Lafite were the high administrators of justice in this country. It was through the officers of their choice that they exercised this right until 1789. The great qualities shown by their wines earned them the sobriquet 'Princes of the Vines'. The bouquet of Lafite wines is very suave and of incomparable delicacy; its savor brings together at the same time the taste of almonds and the scent of violets without it being possible to distinguish whether the one dominates the other. Lafite was very fashionable at the king’s table in the time of Louis XV. It had a place of honor at the banquets held by marshal de Richelieu, and Mme de Pompadour always poured some at her little suppers. After having been the property of the de Ségur family, it belonged to Mr. de Pichard, president of the Parliament of Guienne, until the end of the 18th c. Unfortunately, he was not spared by the upheaval of the revolution and was guillotined in Paris on 12 Messidor in the year II (30 June 1794). After having been made a property of the state, the domain of Lafite was acquired by Dutch owners.
In 1868, it was purchased by Baron James de Rothschild and still belongs to his heirs. The wines of Lafite have always been produced with the same zealous care. They keep their reputation untarnished and still dazzle the world as they once did the Court in Versailles. Château Lafite Rothschild also produces a second label called Carruades de Lafite. ©Conseil des Vins du Medoc
Tasting Notes
96+ Points, Robert Parker: "While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+"
Date Receipted
16th February 2011
Rotation Number
2011 98765
