Château Lafite Rothschild
The vintage
Bud came very early as a consequence of a dry and hot winter. Spring was also very dry and hot until mid-May. The first flowers came out on 5 May. It was the “earliest” year of the century.
The end of May and beginning of June were quite rainy. Then, the climatic conditions in the end of June were quite favourable. August was characterized by two rainy periods, a tropical heat and an exceptional humidity. This emphasized the harvest’s heterogeneity.
The vines growth started again from 15 August until the beginning of September.
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 20months in barrels, primarily of new oak.
Grapes
Tasting
Opens in a very typical bunch: it is complex, ample, very attractive, specific and subtle. There are also some notes of tobacco and lead. On the attack, it is very soft, tasty, velvet with a good intensity. A real success in the unusual context of the vintage.
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