Chateau Lafite, the famous Pauillac property of the Left Bank of the Medoc, began to earn its reputation as a great winemaking estate in the 17th century. Acquiring a strong following in London in the early 18th century, Lafite found its way to the Versailles court, receiving acclaim as the “The King’s Wine”. The reputation did not diminish, achieving a pinnacle when it was ranked a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

On August 8, 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased Chateau Lafite, although he died just three months later leaving Lafite to his three sons. The years that followed were considered a golden age for the estate, producing a rich legacy of remarkable vintages.

Fortunes turned at the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, which were turbulent years. The vines suffered both a phylloxeric crisis and mildew. Then there was organized fraud, World War I, followed by the Great Depression, and finally the occupation of France during World War II. After this difficult period, Baron Elie de Rothschild was entrusted with the recovery of the Lafite estate, leading programs to restore the vineyards and the buildings, as well as becoming an active participant in tasting events and the founding of a regional guild.

The recovery and renewal period at Chateau Lafite was continued by his nephew, Baron Eric de Rothschild, who made great strides forward in the management of the estate and in the replanting and restoration of the vineyards. He also extended the horizons of the Domaines through new acquisitions both in France and abroad.

This famous First Growth is often described as perfumed, elegant and delicate, and one of the finest wines in Bordeaux. According to Baron Eric de Rothschild, Chateau Lafite has a beautiful, generous, and kindly soul that turns bare earth into heaven. The blend for this grand vin varies from vintage to vintage, but is typically 80-95% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5-20% Merlot, with the balance from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

The 2023 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend is a highly acclaimed wine from the esteemed Lafite-Rothschild estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. This red wine, sealed with a traditional cork, showcases the classic sophistication and finesse that Lafite-Rothschild is renowned for.

The blend consists predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon (93%), complemented by Merlot (6%) and a small amount of Petit Verdot (1%). The wine was harvested from September 7th to 29th, with a yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare, and matured in 90% new oak barrels. It presents a deep garnet-purple color, with an alcohol content of 12.9% and a pH of around 3.75 to 3.78.

James Suckling (jamessuckling.com) awarded this wine 98 points, noting its "purity of cabernet sauvignon" and describing it as "full-bodied" yet "weightless and agile" with aromas of "black and red currants, cedar, tobacco, and bark."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (William Kelley) rated it 99 points, praising it as "the finest of the first growths this year" with "deep and incipiently complex aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, lilac, and violets." Kelley highlighted its "vibrant and refined" nature, calling it a "terrific effort."

The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown also gave it 99 points, describing it as "deep garnet-purple" with notes of "boysenberries, wild blueberries, and blackcurrants" alongside "super-ripe, fine-grained tannins" and a "long and shimmery" finish.

Jane Anson (janeanson.com) awarded a perfect score of 100 points, emphasizing its "gorgeous" nature with "fine tannins" and a "hidden power." She noted its "slate and crushed rocks" aroma, describing it as "finessed and sculpted."

Neal Martin from Vinous gave it 97 points, appreciating its "cashmere texture" and "filigree tannins," though he mentioned wanting "a bit more...soul."

Jeff Leve (TheWineCellarInsider.com) rated it 98 points for its "richly colored" and "complex aromatic profile," while Decanter also gave it 98 points, calling it a "clear contender for wine of the vintage" with "understated power" and "elegant and finessed" qualities.

Jeb Dunnuck (jebdunnuck.com) awarded it 97 points, highlighting its "thrilling" aromatics and "seamless, layered, elegant mouthfeel."

Overall, the 2023 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend is a highly praised wine, noted for its elegance, complexity, and potential for long-term aging. Its excellent reviews from prominent wine critics underscore its standing as a top-tier Bordeaux wine.