Château Lafite-Rothschild

The quality of Château Lafite Rothschild needs no introduction. As early as 1815, Abraham Lawton had already designated it as leader: “I ranked it as being the most elegant and delicate, with the finest body of the three (leading wines)” he qualified in 1855.

The large 107 hectare first growth is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (25%) and a smattering of Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The oldest vine plots date back to the 1880’s. In line with contemporary practices, organic fertilizers are used in the management of the vines. To ensure the quality and characteristics of the terroir, each plot is vinified separately. Fermentation is in wooden vats and there is a maceration period on skins of up to 25 days, helping to round out the wines formidable youthful tannins. More than half of the 45,000 plus case output goes into the commendable and fashionable second wine, Carruades de Lafite.