Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 2017

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2017

Tasting

Color
Dark and deep color.

Nose
Discreet but promising nose, revealing great freshness with delicate notes of cedar and mint.

Palate
Powerful and structured, the palate seduces with its harmony as well as its alliance between finesse and concentration.

A great fresh and delicate Pauillac wine

The property

First among the classified growths in 1855 of 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 mild winter, the Bordeaux vineyard suffered from frosty nights at the end of April without impacting the vineyard of the property. The following conditions were ideal, with balanced heat and precipitation, leading to early flowering and a 15-day lead on the usual cycle. A slightly cooler summer favored slow and regular maturation until the harvest in mid-September. A final rainy episode in September did not alter the quality of the grapes. The wines show great potential and a classic style.

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 vintages. 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. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 15 months.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (97%), merlot (2.5%) and petit verdot (0.5%).