Château Lafite-Rothschild 2003

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2003

Tasting

Color
The color is deep and purple.

Nose
Powerful and expressive, the nose combines roasted notes and red fruits.

Palate
Representative of the style and elegance of the property, even in an extreme year, the palate reveals elegant aromas of cedar, graphite, and cocoa.

The intensity and complexity of a great 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 winemaking tradition initiated in 1620, it has established 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 sands on the surface while the limestone subsoil allows excellent drainage.

The vintage

The 2003 vintage will be memorable due to the heatwave that hit Bordeaux, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in August and low rainfall throughout the year. Despite these extreme conditions, the soils remained cool, allowing the vine not to suffer from lack of water. Viticultural practices were adapted, particularly by limiting leaf removal to protect the grapes. September, more moderate, favored complete maturation. The harvest, early and fast, took place from September 8 to 24, yielding lower yields due to the small size of the grapes. The result is spectacular: powerful wines, with remarkable tannins and great finesse, making 2003 an atypical and exceptional 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 barrels to select the most qualitative for the final blend.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (86%), merlot (9%), cabernet franc (3%) and petit verdot (2%).