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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. But it should be noted that vines younger than 10 years old are not used in the Grand Vin.

This vintage exudes the estate’s signature elegance. On the nose, aromas of tobacco, cedar, graphite, and pencil shavings mingle with subtle hints of violets and cigar box. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a stunning blend of graphite, stone, and a touch of redcurrants, culminating in a long, refined finish that lingers for minutes.

This vintage has received outstanding critical acclaim, with critics praising its perfect balance of power and elegance. James Suckling awarded it a perfect score, noting its "perfumed" qualities and comparing it to some of the great Lafites from decades ago. Jeb Dunnuck described it as "monumental," highlighting its depth and concentration. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate appreciated its "deep, enveloping fruit" and compared it to the iconic 1953 vintage. Neal Martin from Vinous Media called it "quintessentially Lafite Rothschild," emphasizing its purity and finesse. The 2022 Lafite Rothschild is already being recognized as one of the best wines from this legendary estate.

94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. The 2022 Château Lafite Rothschild delivers a refined, classic expression of Pauillac—powerful yet weightless. Expect an intricate blend of aromas, including tobacco, cedar, graphite, and pencil shavings, with hints of violets and cigar box adding complexity. The palate is medium-bodied, with layers of graphite, stone, and a subtle touch of redcurrants, all balanced by finely woven tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. This is a wine that exudes elegance, with every element in perfect harmony.

A benchmark modern Lafite showing tobacco, orange peel, cedar, pencil shavings, violets and cigar box—so perfumed. Medium-bodied with lots of graphite, stone and hints of redcurrants on the palate. It goes on for minutes. Reminds me of Lafites that I love made decades ago. Could be the great 1986. A blend of 94% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2030 but already fascinating. ~100 James Suckling

The 2022 Château Lafite-Rothschild is based on 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot that was harvested between the 31st of August and the 24th of September. Just sensational in its power while remaining weightless, it offers utterly classic Lafite aromatics of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened lead pencils, spring flowers, and graphite. Full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, it has a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, off-the-charts purity, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s shockingly accessible, yet there’s no shortage of structure, depth, or concentration. Aged in new French oak barrels, this is a monumental Lafite that should evolve for 50-75+ years. If this doesn’t do it for you, I can’t imagine what would. ~100 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Lafite-Rothschild bides its time in the glass. Head winemaker Eric Kohler told me that this contains the highest proportion of vin de presse ever at 17%, and the alcohol is 13.6%. The 2022 is initially quite reticent, but after four or five minutes, it unfolds with scents of blackberry, cedar, graphite and a touch of inkwell. Like a few other wines in this vintage, the mineralité only reveals itself later. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, the signature trait of a first-rate Lafite. It is adorned with unerring purity and elegance, very focused with a beguiling symmetry. Quintessentially Lafite Rothschild, this is as precise as a Swiss watch with just the right degree of salinity to keep the saliva flowing on the finish. Just a magnificent First Growth destined to give immense pleasure. ~98 Neal Martin, Vinous Media

The 2022 Lafite-Rothschild is a magnificent, thrilling wine. A Lafite for the ages, the 2022 possesses off-the-charts richness and yet never loses its unique Lafiteness. It's as if all the elements are dialed up to the maximum, but without sacrificing clarity. That's quite an achievement in my book. Inky red fruit, blood orange, spice and incense are some of the many notes that build in the glass. The 2022 is a Lafite of nearly indescribable beauty, driven by a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and spellbinding overall balance. Vinification was carried out over 22 days, after which the wine was racked into French oak, 100% new, for an élevage of 15 months. ~98 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media