Château Lafite-Rothschild 1996

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 1996

Tasting

Color
The color is of beautiful intensity.

Nose
The nose reveals elegant notes of cedar and black fruits.

Palate
A delicate and silky attack evolves towards a beautiful power. The tannins, well structured, offer a tight and expressive finish.

A powerful and elegant Pauillac wine

The property

First among the classified growths in 1855 of Bordeaux, the Château Lafite-Rothschild is a lord on its gravel lands. Carrying a long viticultural tradition initiated in 1620, it has asserted itself over the centuries as a true standard-bearer of the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. Indeed, from Cardinal Richelieu to the then President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, the great personalities of this world have fallen under the charm of these great wines with a unique soul and unparalleled refinement.

The vineyard

Château Lafite-Rothschild benefits from an exceptional location with a vineyard divided into three major areas of Pauillac. From the hills surrounding the château to the Carruades plateau to the west and a plot in the neighboring commune of Saint-Estèphe, Château Lafite-Rothschild oversees a total of 112 ha of vines planted on deep fine gravel soils with sands on the surface while the limestone subsoil allows excellent drainage.

The vintage

Late bud break took place on March 30, followed by a homogeneous and rapid flowering under intense heat, causing coulure on the old merlots. The summer was stormy, with a cool August, making the situation uncertain at the end of September. However, a north wind and moderate temperatures favored a slow and decisive maturation for the quality of the vintage.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pumping over. Maceration of about 20 days depending on the vintages. Following malolactic fermentation, barreling in French oak barrels from the property's cooperage. Individual tasting of the barrels to select the most qualitative ones for the final blend. Aging for 20 months in barrels (100% new).

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (83%), merlot (9%) and petit verdot (8%).