What Is Château Lafite-Rothschild?
Château Lafite-Rothschild is a legendary Premier Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac, Bordeaux. With a 112-hectare vineyard near the Gironde estuary, it combines exceptional terroir, deep gravel soils, and a mild oceanic climate to produce wines of elegance, finesse, and remarkable aging potential.
What Is the History of Château Lafite-Rothschild?
Founded in the 17th century by Jacques de Ségur, Château Lafite gained fame under his descendants, particularly Marquis Nicolas Alexandre de Ségur, the “Prince of Vines.” Praised by Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century, Lafite was officially classified as “premier of the premiers crus” in 1855. The Rothschild family has owned the estate since 1868, ensuring continuity and excellence.
What Is the Terroir and Winemaking Style?
The vineyard, planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, is managed using traditional techniques with limited chemical input. Each parcel is vinified separately, and the wine is aged 18–20 months in new oak barrels. The estate produces a Grand Vin and a second wine, Carruades de Lafite. Find out more about the estate's unique terroir here!
What Is the Style and Aging Potential of Lafite Wines?
Château Lafite-Rothschild wines are known for their aromatic richness, structure, and elegance. In youth, they show vibrant fruit and freshness; over decades, they evolve to display cedar, graphite, spice, and violet. Decanting two or more hours before serving at 60–65°F (16–18°C) is recommended.
How Much Is a Bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild?
Prices vary widely. Recent vintages range from $800 to $1,500, exceptional years like 1982 or 2009 can reach $2,000–$5,000, and rare vintages from the 19th or early 20th century can exceed $10,000. Its prestige makes it a highly collectible wine. Discover how much a bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild is now!
How Much Is a Bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild?
Prices vary widely. Recent vintages range from $600 to $1,500, while iconic years like 1982, 2000, 2009, and 2010 can reach $2,000–$10,000. Rare 19th- or early 20th-century bottles may exceed $10,000 at auction. Its consistency and prestige make Lafite one of the world’s most collectible wines.
Why Is the 1982 Lafite-Rothschild So Expensive?
The 1982 vintage is legendary for its richness, balance, and longevity. Its rarity, global demand, and critical acclaim drive prices into the several-thousand-dollar range. Collectors value it for its perfect aging potential and enduring quality.
Which Year of Lafite-Rothschild Is Considered the Best?
While taste is subjective, vintages such as 1982, 2000, 2009, and 2010 are widely regarded as exceptional, combining ideal weather, outstanding grape quality, and remarkable aging potential. For a full Château Lafite-Rothschild vintage guide, read our blog article now!
What Is the Most Expensive Bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild?
Some of the rarest Lafite bottles have achieved record prices at auction — notably, an 1869 vintage that sold for €218,000 in Hong Kong. Such historic bottles are prized for their rarity, provenance, and the unmatched prestige of the Lafite name.
Who Owns Château Lafite-Rothschild Today?
The estate is owned by the Rothschild family under Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR). Since 2021, Saskia de Rothschild leads the estate, representing the sixth generation and focusing on sustainable viticulture and innovation. To find out more, read our full article all about the Rothschild family on our blog now!
Where to Buy Château Lafite-Rothschild in the USA?
Collectors and enthusiasts in the U.S. can purchase authenticated bottles from trusted merchants such as Millesima USA, which offers both recent vintages and rare collector editions with secure shipping and professional storage.
Find Out More about Chateau Lafite-Rothschild on our Blog
To find out more about this iconic estate, read our Château Lafite-Rothschild blog article to explore the full story of this iconic Pauillac estate.
