Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 2016

A classy and powerful Pauillac

As all Bordeaux estates belonging to the Barons de Rothschild Domains, Château Lafite-Rothschild was marked by drought. For two months, the vines had to withstand an important water stress until the end of veraison. But the rain finally fell on the 13^th of September and eased the situation. The weather remained warm and dry until the end of the harvest of reds, allowing them to reach optimal maturity.

Château Lafite-Rothschild 2016 did not choose to include Petit Verdot this year, but instead incorporated 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot in the Grand Vin. In other words, Lafite-Rothschild 2016 is a wine marked by the straightness of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that offers depth, breadth and plenty of class. The wine is inky and its color reveals great density. This density is confirmed on the nose in this Pauillac restrained not for the lack of fruit and with a concentration that only years in a bottle can ease in order to deliver its promise of aromatic complexity. Fresh, the nose reveals discrete mineral notes (graphite) and black fruits such as blackberry. The classy and very full character of the wine is displayed on the palate with a density, vigor (good acid support) and an exemplary depth. The wine profits from a very classy touch. The tannic structure develops into chiseled, well-worked tannins. One of the greatest and most ambitious wines, the Château Lafite-Rothschild 2016 will live through many long decades. A very classy Pauillac!