Château Lafite-Rothschild 2005

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2005

Tasting

Color
Deep and intense color.

Nose
The nose, subtle and complex, offers a broad and expressive fruitiness.

Palate
In the mouth, the straight and clear attack evolves towards a powerful and structured mid-palate, gaining in intensity and substance. The finish, of great power and density, stretches with rare elegance.

The power and refinement of a 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 surface sands while the limestone subsoil allows excellent drainage.

The vintage

The 2005 vintage, marked by a fourth year of water deficit, saw drought set in from the end of May, allowing the vine to adapt by reducing its foliage. After high temperatures in June and July, August offered more moderate temperatures and cool nights, promoting slow and balanced ripening. This atypical but ideal climate allowed for healthy, very ripe grapes with a beautiful freshness. The harvest, carried out from September 22 to October 12, took place under optimal conditions.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pumping over. 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 barrels to select the most qualitative for the final blend. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 20 months.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (89%), merlot (10%) and petit verdot (1%).