2020 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac 1st Classified Growth

A wine to contemplate. You must understand it to understand the great Lafites of the past and those of the future. ~100 James Suckling

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most esteemed wine properties in the Médoc, and we're sure that if you are a savvy wine drinker you are aware of the reputation of this classified First Growth Chateau. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild is also one of the largest Médoc estates.

Château Lafite has regularly been listed at the very top of the critic's list throughout history. In 1855 the Château was ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in the famous classification that was prepared for the Universal Exhibition of that year. Even through the centuries, Lafite is still one of the top wines in the world. Globally, it is considered an icon of luxury wine.

The current owners, the Rothschilds of the famous banking dynasty, bought the property in 1866, but this is a different brand of the family from that which purchased Ch. Mouton-Rothschild. For many years the Rothschilds’ control of Lafite was very much exercised at a distance, compared to the hands-on influence of Baron Philippe at Mouton, but since the Second World War, this has changed somewhat, with the current owner, Eric de Rothschild, presiding over an extensive program of investment in both vineyard and cellar. 

The name Lafite comes from the Gascon language term “la hite”, which means “hillock”. There were probably already vineyards on the property at the time when the Ségur family organized the vineyard in the 17th century, and Lafite began to earn its reputation as a great winemaking estate. The vineyard consists of three main areas: the hillsides around the Château, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west, and 4.5 hectares in neighboring Saint Estèphe. The average age of the grapevines is 39 years old. However it should be noted that vines younger than 10 years old are not used in the Grand Vin.

2020 was a great year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, "Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high."

Tasting Notes: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.