Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 2014

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 2014

Tasting

Color
Intense and brilliant garnet red color.

Nose
Complex and fruity, the nose is marked by beautiful floral notes typical of the 2014 vintage. A subtle toasted touch harmoniously blends into the whole.

Palate
Ample and powerful, the palate seduces with its elegance. The aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant express themselves brilliantly, accompanied by notes of violet and cedar, signature of Lafite wines. Fresh and harmonious, the palate offers a beautiful balance between richness and finesse, with a long finish.

A great Pauillac wine marked by balance and finesse

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 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 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

Heavy rains from November to February recharged the water tables, already well filled by previous years. Despite temperatures above normal, winter lacked good frosts. Bud break was early, followed by a homogeneous flowering in early June. The veraison took place in two stages, causing differences in maturity within the bunches. The harvest required careful selection to retain only the best grapes, thus guaranteeing the production of great Pauillac wines.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pump-overs. Maceration of about 20 days depending on the vintages. Following malolactic fermentation, barreling in French oak barrels from the property's cooperage. Individual tasting of barrels for selection of the most qualitative for the final blend. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 20 months.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (87%), merlot (10%) and cabernet franc (3%).