Château Lafite-Rothschild 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2018

Tasting

Color
Dark with violet reflections, offering a beautiful shine.

Nose
Initially discreet, it gradually reveals great depth with aromas of black fruits, red fruits, and cedar, a signature of Lafite wines.

Palate
Impressive attack, carried by a harmonious and powerful blend. The finish, long and fresh, perfectly illustrates the balance and elegance of Lafite in this atypical vintage.

A very great vintage from Château Lafite Rothschild celebrating 150 years of passion

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 wine

A very great vintage, Château Lafite Rothschild 2018 thus brilliantly celebrates the 150 years of viticulture of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild.

The vintage

« Terrible child vintage », 2018 required all the efforts and know-how of the technical teams of Château Lafite-Rothschild to triumph over the trials of nature. After the cold and rainy winter followed by a mild and humid spring, a strong cryptogamic pressure due to mildew fell on the vineyard. Summer finally settled in mid-July with radiant sun until the harvest date. The high temperatures caused water stress for the vine, which coped very well on the very great terroirs. Starting on September 17 with the Merlot and ending on October 5, the harvest revealed sublime berries, presenting perfect health and beautiful maturities.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pumping over. Maceration of about 22 days depending on the vintages. Following malolactic fermentation, barreling in French oak barrels from the property's cooperage. Individual tasting of barrels to select the most qualitative for the final blend. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 15 months.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (91%), merlot (8.5%) and petit verdot (0.5%).