Château Lafite-Rothschild 2012

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2012

Tasting

Nose
The nose reveals a fruity and subtly woody structure over the course of the tasting.

Palate
Dense, the palate charms with its balance and its ample and persistent finish.

The structure and expression of a great Pauillac wine

The property

First among the classified growths of 1855 in Bordeaux, the Château Lafite-Rothschild is a lord on its gravel lands. Bearing 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 President of the United States at the time, 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

The 2012 vintage was marked by difficult weather in Bordeaux. After a mild winter, a rainy spring and a hailstorm in April complicated fertilization, impacting yields. June and July alternated heat and humidity, but August brought stability favorable to grape maturation. However, the heterogeneity of maturities required rigorous sorting during the harvest at the end of September.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pumping over. Maceration of about 20 days depending on the vintage. 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 (91%), merlot (8.50%) and petit verdot (0.50%).