Château Lafite-Rothschild 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2020

Tasting

Color
A dark color of beautiful intensity.

Nose
Rich and ripe, the nose is dominated by spicy black fruit aromas (blackberry, black cherry), enhanced by subtle notes of cocoa and tobacco.

Palate
Ample and velvety, the palate is marked by fleshy and powerful tannins. Its complex, long and tasty structure reveals a perfect balance, expressing all the fullness of the vintage.

The grandiose character of a Pauillac signed Lafite-Rothschild

The property

First among the classified growths of 1855 in 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 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 watches over 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 2020 vintage at Château Lafite-Rothschild is particularly early throughout the year. The vine's growth cycle was ahead of the usual dates. However, the harvest did not take place in August as the climatic conditions suggested but from September 9 with the merlots. The harvest ends on September 29 with the late terroirs of Anseillan and a rib steak on the vine shoots. The harvest is exceptional due to its superb quality. The fermentations sketch wines with a restrained, classic character. The wonderful balance of the vintages of the 1990s is found in this 2020 vintage.

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 the 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%), merlot (7%) and petit verdot (1%).