Producer Profile
Area under vines: 112 hectares
Soils: fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone
Average age of the vines: 38 years
Production: 15,000 to 20,000 cases a year
Ageing: 18 to 20 months in 100% new barrels
Grape varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 80 to 95%
- Merlot 5 to 25%
- Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot 0 to 5%
Vintage 1961: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage 1994: 99% Cabernet Sauvignon 1% Petit Verdot
Second wine: Carruades de Lafite
Average Annual Production: 20,000 to 30,000 Cases
Grape varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 50-70%
- Merlot 30-50%
- Cabernet Franc 0-5%
Learn more about Château Lafite Rothschild here.
Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
The 2009 Lafite-Rothschild is quite high-toned and expressive on the nose, perhaps the most ostentatious of the top flight 2009s with upfront black cherry and boysenberry fruit, lavish new oak and touches of violet. The palate is sleek and satin-like in feel with copious dark cherry and boysenberry fruit, fig and dates, almost honeyed in texture towards the precocious finish that has an opulent bent, almost hedonistic, unusual for this First Growth. But it is kinda irresistible. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2009 Bordeaux tasting. [Neal Martin, 14/03/2019]
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050
Robert Parker 97
The deep garnet colored 2009 Lafite Rothschild bursts from the glass with red and black currant preserves, warm plums, mulberries and kirsch scents plus suggestions of sweaty leather, cigar box and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and firmly structured, it has wonderful freshness and a long earthy/meaty finish. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 23/02/2019]
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2049
JancisRobinson.com 19/20
Tasted blind. Crimson with a weak rim. Sweet and racy. Minerals and life. Dry, even slightly drying, tannins and not yet ready but all is tucked in there for a lovely stony future. Sinewy. So long and fresh. [14/02/2019]
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2050
