History of Château Lafite Rothschild
The history of Château Lafite Rothschild stretches back to at least the 14th century, when it was mentioned as a manso (a type of agricultural estate) under the feudal lordship of the abbey of Vertheuil. By the 17th century, it was already producing wine under Jacques de Ségur, a figure often credited with formalizing viticulture at Lafite. The estate earned early renown, especially in the 18th century, when it gained a reputation among European elites and was frequently referred to as “the King’s wine.” It was reportedly served at the court of Versailles and favored by ministers and royalty alike.
The transformative moment came in 1868, when Baron James de Rothschild, a member of the prominent French banking dynasty, acquired Château Lafite. Following his death shortly thereafter, the estate passed to his three sons and has since remained under the ownership of the Rothschild family. Unlike their cousins who later acquired Château Mouton, the Rothschilds of Lafite adopted a more discreet and traditionalist approach to estate management.
Throughout the 20th century, the estate experienced fluctuating fortunes, including the challenges of phylloxera, war, and economic depression. However, the modern renaissance of Lafite began in earnest in the 1970s and continued through the leadership of Baron Éric de Rothschild, who oversaw significant investment in the vineyard and cellar. In 1994, Charles Chevallier was appointed technical director, ushering in a new era of consistency and excellence that reasserted Lafite’s dominance among Bordeaux First Growths.
Today, the estate is part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR), an international wine group with holdings in Bordeaux and abroad. In recent years, operations have been guided by Saskia de Rothschild, representing a new generation of leadership.
Region and Vineyards
Château Lafite Rothschild is located at the northernmost edge of the Pauillac appellation, bordering Saint-Estèphe. The vineyards span approximately 112 hectares, planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon (about 70%), along with Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc, and a small amount of Petit Verdot. The average age of the vines is 40 years, though some parcels exceed a century, including a historic plot known as “La Gravière,” planted in 1886 and still in production.
The crown jewel of the estate’s terroir is the Plateau des Carruades, a well-drained gravelly rise to the west of the château. These soils, consisting of deep gravel over limestone and clay, offer excellent drainage and heat retention, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon’s slow, even ripening. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates temperatures and protects the vines from frost and excessive heat, contributing to the consistent ripening of fruit across vintages.
In addition to the main vineyard, Lafite also farms a 4.5-hectare parcel technically within Saint-Estèphe, producing grapes of remarkable quality used in the grand vin.
Wine Range of Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite Rothschild produces three wines:
- Château Lafite Rothschild (Grand Vin): This is the flagship wine of the estate, a long-lived Pauillac blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its remarkable finesse, aromatic purity, and aging potential, it is considered one of the greatest wines in the world.
- Carruades de Lafite: The second wine of the estate, sourced from younger vines and specific plots on the Carruades plateau. It shares the grand vin’s style but in a more approachable format and earlier drinking window.
- Domaine d’Aussières (outside Bordeaux): As part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild’s broader portfolio, the group also produces wines in Languedoc, Argentina, Chile, and China. However, these are separate from the Pauillac operation and are not labeled as “Lafite.”
All vinification is done with meticulous parcel-by-parcel precision, and aging occurs in 100% new French oak barrels, crafted at the estate’s own cooperage, Tonnellerie des Domaines, a rarity even among Bordeaux First Growths.
Did you know?
Lafite was one of the original wines named in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and it was ranked at the very top of the First Growth category—a position it has retained through every vintage since.
The estate’s wines were so highly valued in the 18th century that Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and a noted wine enthusiast, listed Château Lafite among his top favorites after visiting Bordeaux in 1787.
Additionally, Château Lafite has been the subject of some of the most spectacular wine auctions in history. Bottles dating from the 18th century have sold for over $100,000, contributing to the estate's legendary status in global wine culture.
