Château Lafite Rothschild Wine

What kind of wine is Château Lafite?

Château Lafite Rothschild is a Bordeaux red wine produced at the French estate of the same name, located in the Pauillac appellation of France.

Why is Lafite so famous?

The Lafite name is one with a long and fascinating history. It is one of five wine-producing châteaux to be originally awarded the First Growth status under the 1855 Classification and stands out as the first of the Grand Cru Classe of red wine.

Established in 1234 by Gombaud de Lafite, the estate was eventually purchased by the Ségur family in the 17th Century. It was in the early 18th Century that the Château started gaining acclaim when Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, refined the estate’s wine-making techniques and introduced his claret to Europe’s nobility. Soon, the Lafite gained fame as “The King’s Wine,” beloved by historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and Robert Walpole, who bought it in barrels.

In 1868, the estate was acquired by the Rothschild family, whose fame and influence within the wine-making world further elevated the Château’s reputation. Each generation has taken turns to deliver the same message: remaining unyielding in the inconstancy of nature while still being delicate and subtle. A message that ensured every bottle of Lafite carried the quality and taste responsible for its acclaim in the first place.

Why is Château Lafite Rothschild so expensive?

The Lafite is widely known as one of the most expensive wines in the world due to several factors:

• The first of the ‘first growths’: Lafite is the first of the Bordeaux red wines to be awarded with the First Growth status by the 1855 Classification as well as being the first of the Grand Cru Classe of red wine.
• Quality and consistency: The Lafite estate continues to produce wine of exceptional quality, known for its elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully for decades.
• Limited availability: Lafite’s 112-hectare vineyard grows grapes of excellent quality. Its smaller size compared to other vineyards does, however, mean that production is fairly limited. This scarcity has led to the wine’s higher pricing.

Château Lafite labels

Here are some of the Lafite Rothschild labels available in Malaysia:

• Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2006: The 2006 vintage reflects a balanced expression of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a structure designed for long-term ageing potential. Aged in fine French oak barrels, this wine boasts refined craftsmanship and a classic Bordeaux profile.
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild Magnum 1989: The 1989 vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild is particularly celebrated for its exceptional quality and is considered one of the great vintages of the 20th century.
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2012: An embodiment of Bordeaux elegance. Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this vintage exudes refined complexity.
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2003: Crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this vintage reveals a deep, intense ruby colour that foretells its robust character. The 2003 is a remarkable addition to any collection, offering an unparalleled taste of Bordeaux’s artistry.
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1998: The 1998 is a collector’s dream, with its impeccable aging potential. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of fine wine, this vintage is a must-try, a testament to the Bordeaux region’s legacy.

Which year of Lafite is the best?

Some vintages of Lafite Rothschild have achieved legendary status. Here are some of the best years for Château Lafite Rothschild:

• 1982: Widely considered the best of the Lafite vintages, produced during a year of ideal weather conditions, with a warm growing season and a perfect harvest. The resulting wine is rich, full-bodied, and incredibly complex, with the ability to age for decades.
• 2000: The 2000 vintage was another standout year for Bordeaux, producing one of its finest wines of the modern era. This wine is known for its extraordinary balance, with a combination of power and finesse
• 2009: Warm weather and a long growing season in 2009 resulted in wines with exceptional richness and concentration. Château Lafite Rothschild’s 2009 vintage is known for its depth of flavour, silky tannins, and impeccable structure.
• 1959: A must-have for any serious collector, the 1959 Château Lafite Rothschild is a true gem, known for its elegance, with beautifully integrated tannins and a complex bouquet of aromas.

Tasting notes: What does Lafite taste like?

In terms of red Bordeaux, the Château Lafite Rothschild wine is characterised by intense blackcurrant flavours and aromas that develop into pencil lead, cedar and cigar box with age. They have vibrant acidity and a firm tannic structure that grants the vintages their graceful ageing elements.

Food pairing: What should I pair with Lafite Rothschild?

Like any good wine, the Château Lafite Rothschild wine should be paired with the right type of food to enhance the drinking experience:

• Classic meat dishes like veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, and roast chicken.
• Fine cheeses
• Mushroom dishes
• Pasta
• Rich fish like tuna or salmon
• Dark chocolate
• Asian dishes

How should I serve my Lafite Rothschild?

The Château Lafite Rothschild is not a wine to drink on the young side. Younger vintages are usually too tannic and reserved in their tastes. If you want to try a Château Lafite in its youth, we recommend decanting for an average of 3-6 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

For the best drinking experience, your Château Lafite Rothschild should be best served at least 15 years of age. These older vintages require very little decanting, usually just enough to remove sediments. We recommend serving your Château Lafite wine at a cool 15.5°C (60°F) to give it more freshness and lift.

Where to buy Château Lafite Rothschild

Buy a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild online at Whisky.my! We offer the best Château Lafite Rothschild wine price in Malaysia, giving enthusiasts and collectors alike the opportunity to put this legendary vintage in your cellar.