Of the first growths of Bordeaux, Chateau Lafite Rothschild holds particular allure and interest for many Bordeaux wine lovers — it is arguably the region’s most famous wine estate, boasting a prestigious reputation steeped in history.
Sited in the village of Pauillac in the Medoc region, the estate dates as far back as the Middle Ages. Sometime in the 1600s, it came under the ownership of the Segur family, and was told to various owners before Baron James Mayer Rothschild took over in the 1860s. Since then, the estate has earned critical acclaim for the stylishness of its wine.
At close to 110 hectares, Chateau Lafite Rothschild holds one of the largest vineyards in the Medoc. Sitting mostly on gravel, it is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a little Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Production of the estate’s grand vin is typically around 20,000 cases or less. Its second wine, Carruades de Lafite, sees a larger production at around 30,000 cases.
The wine of Chateau Lafite Rothschild is often described as having a perfumed elegance and great finesse, in contrast to the more masculine, powerful, or intense expressions of its peers, with an incredible ageing potential of at least 50 years or more.
The longevity of Lafite’s wine can clearly be witnessed in this vertical collection — the older vintages in particular are highly valued for their tremendous complexity and maturity. Priced €248,000, the collection comprises one bottle of each vintage from 1945 to 2010.
