Château Lafite Rothschild, owned by the Rothschild family for five generations, was acquired by Baron James de Rothschild in 1868. The classification of the Grands Crus Classés, officially ranked Château Lafite Rothschild as the "Premier des Premiers".
2005 was the fourth consecutive year to have rainfall deficit, but the drought began very early, at the end of May, which allowed the vine to adapt itself by reducing its leaves. The very hot weather in June and July gave way to progressively cooler weather in August and the cool nights allowed good acidity levels to be maintained, resulting in slow steady ripening. A year of atypical weather but in the end ideal for the production of healthy, very ripe grapes with wonderful freshness Harvests took place from 22 September to 12 October in ideal conditions.
For Lafite's terroir to produce its magic, the vinification process must be carried out with extreme precision.
The distribution of the grapes is determined on the basis of the characteristics of each plot and the grapes' degree of maturity. After maceration and fermentation, the wines are transferred to French oak barrels. Lafite has its own cooperage in Pauillac, the Tonnellerie des Domaines, a factor that contributes to its unique style. Every barrel is tasted and only the best are selected for the final blend. The wine is then aged in new oak barrels for 15 months.
Bottle Size: 1.5L
Region: Pauillac
Vintage: 2005
Rating: 99 WE; 98 WS; 98 RP; 98 W&S
Grape Varietal: Bordeaux Red Wine Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon 89%, Merlot 10%, Petit Verdot 1%
Tasting Notes: Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most famous wines in the world and a Premier Crus of Bordeaux, France. The 2005 Château Lafite Rothschild is a deep colour in the glass. An intense, delicate, subtle, complex nose. Very clean and direct palate on the attack, then developing volume and a nicely rounded structure. Immensely powerful, great length, density and elegance.
