Château Lafite Rothschild - The crowning glory of Bordeaux
In the heart of the Médoc region, where the Gironde meanders through the landscape, one name stands like a shining seal on the world map of wine: Château Lafite Rothschild. This wine estate epitomises the essence of French wine culture like no other, a symphony of history, terroir and perfect craftsmanship that has captivated connoisseurs and collectors for centuries. The magical attraction of Lafite goes far beyond its flavour - it is a cultural phenomenon, a status symbol, a living legend.
Historical outline
The roots of this extraordinary wine estate go back deep into French history. Vineyards existed here as early as the 14th century, but the real rise began in the 17th century under the de Ségur family. The name "Lafite" is probably derived from the Gascon "la hite" (hill), a reference to the favoured location of the vineyards. However, what really set this estate apart from others was its early internationalisation. As early as the 18th century, Lafite was celebrated as the "king of wines" at the courts of Europe, particularly in England. Thomas Jefferson, the future US president and wine lover, visited the estate in 1787 and declared it the best Bordeaux of his time.
The year 1868 marked a turning point in the history of the château. Baron James de Rothschild, a member of the famous banking dynasty, acquired the estate at auction - ironically without ever having tasted a drop of its wine. His sudden death just three months later left the estate to his family, who continue to run it with unbroken passion to this day. The Rothschilds quickly recognised the unique potential of Lafite and invested heavily in quality and prestige. Their international network helped to spread the reputation of the wine worldwide.
The terroir at Château Lafite Rothschild
The terroir of Château Lafite Rothschild is a marvel of nature. The 112 hectares of vineyards cover one of the best sites in Pauillac, with deep gravel terraces formed during the Ice Age. These exceptional soils - up to ten metres deep - store heat and ensure perfect drainage. The vines have to root deeply in order to reach water, which leads to particularly concentrated flavours. The soil consists of around 80% gravel mixed with sand and a light clay subsoil, an ideal combination for the royal Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety.
The microclimate of the Médoc plays an equally decisive role. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates extreme temperatures, while the Gironde acts as a natural temperature buffer. The slight differences in altitude in the terrain create different microclimates that allow the winegrowers to select the optimum grape variety for each plot. Around 70% of the area is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The average age of the vines is an impressive 45 years, with some plots having vines over 100 years old - living witnesses to history.
Vinification - the temple of tradition
Winemaking at Lafite is a blend of centuries-old tradition and state-of-the-art technology. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, with a rigorous selection of the grapes. Up to 600 workers are employed during the harvest, and each grape is checked several times. Fermentation takes place in modern stainless steel tanks with computerised temperature control - a seeming paradox in this temple of tradition. But it is precisely this combination that allows the fruit of the terroir to be expressed purely and unadulterated.
The wines are aged for 80-100% in new French oak barrels from the Tronçais and Allier forests. The exact duration (usually 18-20 months) is determined vintage by vintage. The art of assemblage - the blending of different parcels and grape varieties - is the real secret of Lafite. The cellar master has to taste over 200 different wines before determining the final blend for the Grand Vin. This meticulous work explains why Lafite shows remarkable consistency year after year, despite the natural variations between vintages.
The style - an unmistakable revelation
The characteristic style of Château Lafite Rothschild is difficult to put into words, but unmistakable for connoisseurs. It is a rare combination of power and elegance, density and lightness. Young Lafites impress with aromas of blackcurrant, cedar wood and violet ink. As the wine matures, complex notes of tobacco, truffle, graphite and the finest spices develop. The tannins are always present, but with a silkiness that makes the wine accessible even at a young age without diminishing its ageing potential.
Legendary longevity of the wines
The longevity of Lafite is legendary. Great vintages such as 1982, 1996 or 2009 can easily age for 50 years or more. The famous 1953 vintage was still described as perfectly mature in 2013 - its 60th anniversary. This exceptional ageing ability makes Lafite a coveted object for collectors and investors. Old bottles regularly fetch six-figure sums at auctions, with certain vintages such as 1869 or 1945 going down in wine history.
The second wine - Carruades de Lafite
In addition to the Grand Vin, the Château has been producing the second wine Carruades de Lafite since 1962. Originally known as "Moulin des Carruades", it comes from younger vines and plots with a higher proportion of Merlot. Although classified as a "second wine", Carruades achieves a quality in peak years that puts many a Grand Vin from other estates in the shade. Since the 2000s, its reputation has improved dramatically, especially on the Asian market.
The global significance of Lafite Rothschild is particularly evident in its reception in Asia. In China, the name "Lafite" has become synonymous with luxury wine par excellence. The boom began in the early 2000s, when up-and-coming entrepreneurs and business people discovered Lafite as a status symbol. Prices exploded and even empty bottles became collector's items. Although this hype has cooled somewhat, Lafite remains the undisputed king of Bordeaux wines in Asia.
Ecological sustainability at the château
But behind all the glamour and commerce lies a deep philosophy. The current management under Saskia de Rothschild emphasises sustainability and ecological responsibility. Since 2015, the entire estate has been farmed organically, a radical step for a winery of this size. Biodiversity is promoted and the use of machinery is minimised. It is this respect for nature that ultimately enables the magical connection between terroir and wine.
Conclusion
The fascination with Château Lafite Rothschild cannot be reduced to individual factors. It is the interplay of history, terroir, artisanal perfection and cultural radiance that makes this wine so unique. The spirit of a place that has epitomised the highest art of winemaking for centuries lives in every bottle. Whether as a pleasure experience, an investment or a cultural artefact, Lafite remains the epitome of French wine nobility, a living piece of history that is rewritten year after year.
The 1945 vintage in detail
Lafite Rothschild 1945 is one of the most legendary and sought-after wines in the world. It comes from the famous Château Lafite Rothschild, a Premier Cru Classé vineyard in the Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux, France. The year 1945 is considered an exceptional vintage year, characterised by perfect weather conditions and its historical significance - the end of the Second World War.
- Winery: Château Lafite Rothschild
- Region: Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
- Vintage: 1945
- Grape varieties: Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (exact proportions vary depending on the vintage).
- Specialities: The 1945 is often regarded as one of the best wines of the 20th century. The grapes were harvested under difficult wartime conditions and the small crop resulted in an exceptional concentration of flavours.
- Flavour profile: In its youth, the wine was known for its intense fruit, powerful tannins and remarkable structure. As it matured, it developed complex flavours of blackcurrant, leather, tobacco, truffle and mineral notes. Even after decades, it shows impressive freshness and longevity.
- Reviews: Wine critics such as Robert Parker have awarded the 1945 Lafite top marks (often 98-100 points), underpinning its iconic status.
- Price: At auction, a bottle often fetches six-figure sums (in euros or dollars), depending on the condition of the bottle and label.
Here are some tasting notes on the Château Lafite wines:
Château Lafite Rothschild 1893
Michael Broadbent: A baking hot summer leading to the earliest ever start of picking at Lafite on 15 August. The first major vintage in Bordeaux since the onset of phylloxera. Tasted many times over a period of 25 years. Variable, but at best, as with this provenance, the wine will still be fairly deep; its bouquet rich and ripe; a touch of sweetness, richly fragrant yet delicate. A rare mouthful. **** Stars
Château Lafite Rothschild 1945
"Past its peak, but the trip down is going to be an enjoyable one. The best of the truly mature Lafites in the entire tasting. It has that wonderful bottle bouquet of mint, cedar and tobacco that blends so well with the firm but silky spice and cherry flavours. It tastes open, round and complete." WS (96 WS)
Château Lafite Rothschild 1953
Lafite Rothschild 2006 was Lafite in perfection, only the nose was a little restrained. Decadent, opulent maturity on the palate, the wine was almost plump with some malty sweetness, but still elegant and very long, full at its peak, so silky and finesse - 100/100 (source: wineterminator.com Dr. Becker).
Château Lafite Rothschild 1955
Wonderful 1996 Lafite Rothschild, amazingly bright colour, opulent, Burgundian bouquet, lots of sweetness, coffee, mocha - 95/100. Most recently in 2006 a very ripe, complex, flattering Lafite with fine sweetness - 95/100 (source: wineterminator.com Dr. Becker).
Broadbent rating: A delicious, almost perfect Lafite vintage. Many entries. Deceptively advanced in the early 1960s, but evolved - as it so often does - in aroma and flavour nuances. If you have the patience, the opportunity and the time, a fascinating wine; however, no hint of astringency should spoil its lingering flavour and aftertaste. In a way, it epitomises all the qualities that modern tasters and wine writers disdain: Delicacy, charm, subtlety, length and a weight - or lack of weight - that makes this type of wine the perfect drink or "food companion". A beautiful woman who reveals her charm slowly and requires patience and understanding. Last tasted in August 2000 ***** (5) stars. Should still be delicious.
Château Lafite Rothschild 1959
Lafite Rothschild is a giant with 20 years of potential. Almost still too young in 1993 at our century wine tasting and shortly afterwards again at the tasting of a good wine friend, young colour, still strong, but not as astringent tannins as Latour, surprisingly much power for Lafite, very nice length - 98/100. 1995 at Landhaus Bacher from the Marie Jeanne Gran Vin! Deep, young colour, intense fruit sweetness, doesn't stop at all on the palate - 100/100. Outshone even the 59 Haut Brion at Hubi Scheidt on New Year's Eve 1995 - 100/100. 1996 an astonishingly mature bottle from less than optimal storage, very dense colour, recognisable brown hue, minty freshness, ripe Cabernet, full, almost opulent, very long - 100/100. Last absolute perfection in 2007. Mint on the nose, but also herbs and a fine sweetness. The sweetness of this very fine wine continues on the palate, with an endless finish. A Lafite of the century, now at its peak, where it will certainly remain for another 10-20 years - 100/100 (source: wineterminator.com Dr Becker).
Château Lafite Rothschild 1961
Apparently you have to be lucky with Lafite Rothschild. My first bottle 1997 was a failure and corresponded rather to the Parker notes, amazingly beautiful colour, not too old, but that was it, too acid-heavy, ungenerous - 81/100. The second 2001 very elegant with fine sweetness and great finish, simply a great wine - 96/100. Simply cruel was the second wine of Lafite in 1988, which was still called Moulin de Carruades at that time (source: wineterminator.com Dr. Becker).
Château Lafite Rothschild 1966
Wine Spectator : 84/100 (1966 Lafite Rothschild - unofficial wine of the Rolling Stones) Tasted by Eric on 12/12/2003 & rated 94 points: Seattle Tasting Group 'End of Year Dinner' (Sammamish, WA, USA): This had everything you could look for on the nose of a great wine. Very complex, sweet and floral with truffle (and this was just before truffle risotto was served) and mushroom. The palate was a bit of a letdown with slight sweetness and earthiness, but the fruit was long gone. From the colour I guessed 1970 Bordeaux and came within four years.
Château Lafite Rothschild 1979
Wine Spectator: 92/100 (11-1991) Fruity, deep and firm, filled with plum and cherry, backed by youthful, stiff tannins. Needs time for complexity to develop.
Château Lafite Rothschild 1982
Parker N° 129 (26.06.2000) : 100 Maturity : 2007-2070
All three 1982 first-growth Pauillacs have turned out to be wines of extraordinary complexity, richness, and aging potential. To no one's surprise, they are all different. The two most backward wines are Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton- Rothschild. The 1982 Lafite possesses a dark, dense ruby/purple colour with only a subtle lightening at the rim.Spectacular aromatics offer jammy cherry and black fruits intertwined with lead pencil, mineral, and smoky wood scents. Powerful for a Lafite, this wine unfolds to reveal extraordinary richness, purity, and overall symmetry in addition to stunning flavour depth and persistence. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Plenty of tannin remains, and the wine displays a vibrancy and youthfulness that belie its 18 years of age. The modem day equivalent of Lafite-Rothschild's immortal 1959, the 1982 will enjoy another 30-70 years of life! An amazing achievement!
Château Lafite Rothschild 1983
I was not at all impressed by Lafite Rothschild 1986, a tough, brittle lump at 84/100 level. In a 1997 tasting, it presented itself much more open with a Corinthian sweetness, the nose clearly better and more beautiful than the compact palate - 91/100. In 2007 on the Braui Best Bottle, a classic Lafite in the perfect, old style corresponding to the terroir. A fine, elegant wine with red berry fruit, pure finesse on the palate with a wonderful melting texture - 94/100. Shortly afterwards on Sylt, a classic Lafite with the infinite elegance and finesse with which this estate has fascinated wine lovers worldwide for two centuries, very savoury, slightly peppery fruit, wonderful length on the palate. Anyone still looking for an affordable Lafite in the old style, not the modern, concentrated, overpriced Latour imitations, should go in search of this wine - 95/100. (Source: wineterminator.com Dr Becker).
Château Lafite Rothschild 1985
Parker N° 88 (01.08.1993) : 90 Drinkability : -2010 The 1985 Lafite is revealing more class and complexity than I predicted. A moderately intense, cedary, woody, herb and berry-scented bouquet is attractive. The wine is open-knit and ripe, with fine tannins, sweet, medium-bodied, mineral, and cassis-scented flavours, fine depth, and a graceful, harmonious feel. It is beginning to blossom and appears to possess more depth and character than I had thought. Last tasted, 6/93
Château Lafite Rothschild 1986
I was very unsure about the arrival tasting. This was a fine wine with wonderful, sweet fruit, but for me it couldn't compete with the best wines of the vintage. I only drank it twice after that. Raven-black in 2001, incredibly dense, still rather closed fruit concentrate, enormous potential, will fight with Mouton for the wine of the vintage, potential for 100/100. Dense colour in 2002, somewhat irritating lovage nose, clearly more accessible than 86 Mouton, slightly sweetish, but also massive acidity and tannins, was a little out of its depth. Whether it will ever really reach 100 points is now a purely academic discussion. With cool cellars, the answer is unlikely to come before 2015 (source: Wineterminator.com Dr Becker).
Château Lafite Rothschild 1990
Parker N° 109 (01/02/1997) : 92 Drinkability : 2006-2035 As I suspected, the 1989 and 1990 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild have gone dormant. Both wines were among the more closed, backward examples in my blind tasting. The 1990 is riper, richer, and more textured, but mouth-searing tannin and a closed personality make it hard to fully assess. The wine possesses excellent richness, a hint of the unmistakable Lafite perfume of minerals, cedar, lead pencil, and red fruits, medium to full body, moderate weight, admirable richness and overall balance, and a tough finish. Give it a decade of cellaring to shed some tannin and evolve; it may be a 40-50-year Lafite. As outstanding as I believe it will ultimately turn out to be, I do not think the 1990 Lafite will ever match the sheer class, quality, and complexity of the 1988, 1986, and 1982.
1. key historical data
Founded: 1234 (first documented mention)
Viticulture since: 17th century (official domain from 1680)
Takeover by Rothschild: 1868 by Baron James de Rothschild
Location: Pauillac, Médoc (Bordeaux, France)
Classification: 1er Grand Cru Classé (1855)
2. vineyards & terroir
Vineyard area: 112 hectares
Soil: Deep gravel layers (ice age deposits) with limestone subsoil
Grape varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon (70%)
Merlot (25%)
Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot (5%)
Average age of the vines: 45 years
3. production philosophy
✅ Tradition & innovation:
Hand-picked in several passes
Strict yield control (max. 45 hl/ha)
Organic cultivation (fully organic since 2015)
✅ Ageing:
18-20 months in 100% new French oak barrels
No filtration (natural clarification)
✅ Vintage discipline:
Consistent Grand Vin
Second wine: Carruades de Lafite (30-50% of the yield)
4. legendary vintages & prizes
| Vintage | Parker points | Current market value (€/bottle) |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 100 | 2.500-4.000 |
| 2000 | 100 | 1.800-3.000 |
| 2009 | 100 | 1.500-2.500 |
| 2016 | 99+ | 1.200-1.800 |
| 2018 | 98 | 900-1.500 |
5. economic importance
Production: 150,000-200,000 bottles of Grand Vin/year
Export quota: 70% (top markets: China, USA, UK)
Auction record: Lafite 1787 (€156,000 at Christie's)
6. sensory profile (Grand Vin)
Colour: Deep ruby red with garnet rim
Nose: Cedar wood, blackcurrant, truffle, pencil minerality
Palate: Silky tannins, complex layers, endless length
Ageing potential: 30-70+ years
7 Lafite & China - A cult phenomenon
Status symbol: In China, synonymous with wealth ("Làfēi")
Price explosion: 2000s (+300% demand)
Counterfeiting problem: Up to 50% counterfeit bottles on the Asian market
8. current developments (2024)
🔹 New cellars: opened in 2023 (architectural masterpiece)
🔹 Climate change strategy
🔹 Digitalisation: blockchain labels against counterfeiting
Château Lafite Rothschild epitomises aristocratic elegance and timeless quality. Its wines are liquid investments and are among the most sought-after in the world.
