Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 2001

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2001

Tasting

Elegance, harmony, a rich tannic structure, and very pure fruit are the main characteristics of this vintage, less opulent than the 2020.

The precision and refinement of a Pauillac wine

The property

First among the classified growths of 1855 in 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

After a wet and mild winter, the early bud break was followed by a homogeneous flowering, despite some cases of shatter on the merlots. The summer, alternating heat and cloudy passages, led to heterogeneous maturation, but the harvest took place under excellent conditions. Starting on September 28 with the merlots, they intensified on October 1 with 350 harvesters and ended on October 11. A meticulous sorting allowed only the best grapes to be kept for vinification.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pump-overs. Maceration of about 22 days depending on the vintage. 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.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (86.5%) and Merlot (13.5%).