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 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux Blend that hails from the prestigious Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine is a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted by the renowned producer, Lafite-Rothschild.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep garnet-purple shade, enticing and alluring. On the nose, it exudes an intense cedar aroma, which is characteristic of the wine's time spent in new oak barrels. As the wine opens up, a vibrant core of black raspberries, red currants, and crushed plums emerges, accompanied by delicate hints of cigar boxes, violets, and underbrush. There's also a subtle waft of tilled loam that adds a touch of earthiness to the bouquet.

On the palate, the 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is medium-bodied and elegantly styled, showcasing wonderful freshness and depth. It captivates with its earthy and minerally qualities, complemented by a frame of seductively silky yet very firm tannins. The wine culminates in a very long, racy, and pure finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates this wine with an impressive score of 96. According to Lisa Perrotti-Brown, the wine is a "masterpiece of diligence in the vineyards, careful selection, and very clever crafting." Wine Enthusiast also awards it a perfect score of 100, describing it as rich, complex, and impressively dense in dark-fruit tones.

While the 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is already showing great potential, it is a wine that demands patience and aging to fully appreciate its true magnificence. Wine critic Jeb Dunnuck suggests giving it at least 4-5 years of bottle age, with the potential to enjoy it over the following 2-3 decades.

This wine is a true gem, showcasing the finesse, nuance, and class that Lafite-Rothschild is known for. It is a wine that will undoubtedly age gracefully, rewarding those who choose to cellar it with an exceptional tasting experience.