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 2011 Lafite-Rothschild is a magnificent expression of the Bordeaux blend, hailing from the prestigious region of Pauillac in France. This Lafite-Rothschild vintage is a harmonious blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, carefully crafted from vines with an average age of 40 years.

This wine is a visual delight, presenting a very dark ruby in color with a deep ruby rim. On the nose, it strikes a complex and captivating balance between the classy and exquisite notes of Asian spices, dark chocolate, raspberry coulis, with hints of lead pencil and fresh roasted coffee, creating a truly unique olfactory experience.

On the palate, this medium-bodied wine showcases well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Despite the apparent oak, it does not overshadow the wine's character but instead adds to its charm. The highlight of this Lafite-Rothschild is its long, complex, and silky finish, signifying its superb quality and craftsmanship.

This vintage is the epitome of balance and elegance, although it does not possess the power of the 2010. However, the freshness and vibrancy of this vintage are undeniable. The 2011 Lafite-Rothschild is built along the lines of the 1999 and 2001, and is expected to be a 20- to 25-year wine.

This wine is characterized by fresh acidity, giving it a somewhat more clipped feeling than most Lafites. However, the pronounced tobacco and bay leaf notes up front, with a core of steeped plum and currant fruit, and a fleshy edge through the charcoal-lined finish, reveal the presence of a serious buried minerality. This wine is sure to evolve beautifully with cellaring, promising an even more delightful tasting experience in the years to come.