Château Lafite Rothschild

Winery Overview & History

Château Lafite Rothschild, located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux’s Haut-Médoc region, is one of the world’s most prestigious First Growth estates, recognized in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The earliest records of Lafite date back to 1234, when it was mentioned as a medieval estate under the stewardship of the monks of the Vertheuil Monastery. By the 14th century, the estate was already known for its vineyards.

The name “Lafite” derives from the Gascon word la hite, meaning “small hill.” The estate rose to prominence in the 17th century under the stewardship of the Ségur family, who established its reputation as one of the greatest wine producers in Bordeaux. In the modern era, it is owned and managed by the Rothschild family, with Baron Eric de Rothschild playing a central role in its development.

Vineyard Location & Terroir

The estate’s vineyards span approximately 107 hectares, making it the largest of the Médoc’s First Growth estates. The vineyards are divided into three main areas: the slopes surrounding the château itself, the Carruades plateau to the west, and a parcel near Saint-Estèphe.

The soils are predominantly fine gravel mixed with sand and limestone, dating back to the Quaternary era, with underlying tertiary limestone. These well-drained soils provide excellent water regulation and heat retention, creating ideal conditions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional finesse.

The vines average 35 years of age, though certain parcels, such as “La Gravière,” boast vines more than a century old. The estate avoids using very young vines (under 10 years old) for its Grand Vin, ensuring the complexity and concentration expected of Lafite.

Grape Varieties & Wine Style

The vineyard plantings are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), supported by Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%). This composition reflects Lafite’s signature style: wines of elegance, structure, and extraordinary longevity.

Lafite Rothschild is renowned for producing wines that balance power and refinement, with hallmark aromas of graphite, cedar, blackcurrant, and tobacco, often showing remarkable harmony and silky tannins even in their youth. With aging, they develop profound complexity and extraordinary persistence.

Signature Wines

• Château Lafite Rothschild (Grand Vin): Produced exclusively from the estate’s finest parcels, with an annual production of 15,000–20,000 cases.
• Carruades de Lafite (Second Wine): Made from slightly younger vines and parcels, offering a more approachable style, with a similar annual production of 15,000–20,000 cases.

Notable vintages include 1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2016.

Winemaking & Cellar Practices

The estate follows traditional Bordeaux winemaking, enhanced with modern precision. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before vinification. Fermentation typically lasts 18–25 days, and the wines undergo maturation in 100% new French oak barrels crafted by Lafite’s own cooperage. Each barrel is tasted and assessed, ensuring only the finest lots are blended into the Grand Vin. The wines are then aged for 18–24 months before release.

Visitor & Contact Information

Address: 33250 Pauillac, France
Phone: +33 5 56 73 18 18
Fax: +33 5 56 59 26 83
Website: www.lafite.com
Email: clesure@lafite.com
Visiting: By appointment only, reservations at least 15 days in advance