Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 2006
Personalized Advice
100% Secure Payment
Guaranteed provenance
An alluringly complex and refined fine Pauillac wine
The estate
Ranking as a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, Château Lafite-Rothschild is the king and master of its gravelly land. Boasting a long winemaking tadition that began in 1620, it has asserted itself over the centuries as a true standard in the Pauillac appellation, on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. Indeed, from Cardinal Richelieu to the then President of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson, the world’s leading figures have fallen under the spell of these fine Pauillac wines due to their unique soul and unparalleled refinement.
The vineyard
Château Lafite-Rothschild enjoys an exceptional location with a vineyard divided into three main areas. From the slopes surrounding the château, to the Carruades plateau to the west and a plot in the neighbouring Saint-Estèphe area, this illustrious Pauillac reference watches over a total of 112 hectares of vines. Resting on deep, fine gravel soils with sand on the surface, the limestone subsoil provides an excellent drainage.
The vintage
A particularly cold and wet winter preceded a spring and early summer whose heat favoured an early veraison period. Although August was cool, September was marked by a lot of sunshine and punctuated by a stormy spell, forcing the estate to bring forward the start of the harvest.
The blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (82%)
Merlot (16%)
Cabernet Franc (2%)
Château Lafite-Rothschild 2006: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
Colour
The colour is very dark.
Nose
Discreet, the nose gives off primary aromas that become more full and dense as the wine is aerated.
Palate
The palate is seduced by its power, its structure as well as its finish that mixes elegant tannins with delicate woody notes.
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London and then blind at Farr Vintners tasting. The 2006 Château Lafite-Rothschild offers impressive fruit intensity on the nose, although it does not have the precision of the 2006 Mouton-Rothschild. Red berry fruits intermingle with rose petals and sous-bois scents - very typical Lafite bouquet where less can be more. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a keen line of acidity. It is certainly very well balanced with graphite-tinged black fruit, but whereas Mouton-Rothschild possesses that peacock's tail, Lafite remains linear. Nevertheless, the sophistication really comes through here. It is a Lafite-Rothschild that may spring a few surprises down the line, one of those wines that keeps drawing you back. Understated class. Tasted April 2016.