Château Lafite-Rothschild 2016

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2016

Tasting

Color
Dark and intense color

Nose
Concentrated and restrained, the nose discreetly reveals a beautiful freshness, mineral notes of graphite and blackberry.

Palate
Ample and refined, the palate is marked by remarkable density and depth. The tannic structure, of great finesse, expresses itself with elegance. An ambitious Château Lafite-Rothschild 2016, designed to cross the decades with class.

The vivacity and structure of an iconic 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 wine tradition initiated in 1620, it has asserted itself over the centuries as a true standard 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 fine and deep gravel soils with sands on the surface while the limestone subsoil allows excellent drainage.

The vintage

Like all the Bordeaux properties belonging to the Domaines Barons de Rothschild, Château Lafite-Rothschild experienced a summer marked by drought. For two months, the vines had to endure significant water stress until the end of veraison. But rain finally fell on September 13 and unlocked the situation. The weather remained warm and dry until the end of the red grape harvest, allowing them to reach perfect maturity.

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 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 15 months.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (92%) and merlot (8%).