Château Lafite Rothschild: First of the Firsts and Bordeaux Royalty

A Prestigious History

• The Lafite vineyard has existed since the 14th century, but it was in the 17th century, under the de Ségur family, that it gained its renown.
• The Marquis Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur, nicknamed the “Prince of Vines,” made Lafite the favorite wine of the court of Versailles.
• In 1868, the Rothschild family acquired the estate for 4.4 million gold francs. Since then, six generations have succeeded one another at its helm.
• The 1855 Classification designated it “First of the Firsts,” the first name listed among the official Premiers Crus.

An Exceptional Vineyard

• The vineyard covers 112 hectares in the commune of Pauillac, on deep gravel soils mixed with sand and limestone.
• Grape varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
• The oldest vines, over 80 years old, produce grapes of incomparable concentration and complexity.

Style and Character

• Lafite is famous for its aristocratic elegance, finesse, and perfect balance.
• Signature aromas: cassis, pencil lead, cedar, tobacco, and leather, evolving toward truffle and forest floor with age.
• Its longevity is legendary: great vintages can age for 50 years and beyond.

The Estate’s Wines

• Château Lafite Rothschild (Grand Vin): The icon, produced solely from the finest parcels surrounding the château.
• Carruades de Lafite: The second wine, sourced from younger parcels and rigorous selections, offering an earlier-drinking expression of the Lafite style.
• The estate also produces Château Duhart-Milon, a neighboring 4ème Cru Classé acquired in 1962.