Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2020

Region and Vineyards

Château Lafite Rothschild is situated at the northern tip of the Pauillac appellation in the Médoc, a privileged position that benefits from gravelly soils and proximity to the Gironde estuary. The estate’s terroir—composed primarily of deep gravel with sand and limestone—encourages excellent drainage and ideal conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyards span approximately 112 hectares, with vines averaging 40 years of age, although some parcels trace back to the late 19th century. Pauillac is known for producing structured and age-worthy wines, and Lafite’s location just south of Saint-Estèphe, bordering Cos d’Estournel, gives it a unique microclimate. The 2020 growing season was marked by a very early vegetative cycle, followed by a hot and dry summer, which—despite climatic challenges such as August storms—yielded remarkably balanced, age-worthy fruit.

Winemaking

The 2020 blend is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, emphasizing structure and aromatic purity. The grapes were harvested earlier than usual, beginning in early September, due to accelerated ripening from a hot summer. Despite climatic pressures, meticulous vineyard management ensured optimal physiological maturity.

The vinification process remains traditional, with fermentation carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in 100% new French oak barrels, lasting approximately 18 to 20 months, depending on the parcel. The élevage process is carefully monitored to maintain the clarity and tension that Lafite is known for. Bottled in March 2022, the wine exhibits clarity, purity, and remarkable aromatic depth even in its youth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with vibrant violet reflections, indicating both concentration and youth.
• Aroma: Exquisitely refined nose of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and crushed violets, layered with hints of pencil shavings, dark chocolate, and fine tobacco leaf.
• Palate: Silky, precise, and linear, the palate reveals a core of pure cassis and ripe black cherry supported by polished tannins and a vein of minerality. The finish is long, cool, and impressively composed, with subtle notes of cigar box, gravel, and a saline lift.

Did you know?

The estate’s documented history dates back to the 14th century, but it wasn’t until 1868 that Baron James de Rothschild acquired Lafite. Since then, it has remained under Rothschild stewardship, although a different branch from that of Château Mouton Rothschild. Lafite is also famed for its enduring reputation as one of the most collectible wines globally—Napoleon is said to have insisted on it during his exile.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast rack of lamb with rosemary: The wine’s structure and herbal nuances complement lamb’s richness and savory herbs.
• Duck breast with blackcurrant reduction: The cassis character in the wine echoes the sauce, enhancing both.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese: The umami and nuttiness of aged cheeses harmonize beautifully with the wine’s tertiary notes.
• Beef Wellington: The wine’s elegance offsets the dish’s intensity, while tannins cut through the richness of the pastry and meat.

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.