Upon the death of the latter, Lafite knows a succession of owners, it will be auctioned after the Revolution, but the quality will be maintained at the highest level thanks to the care of its commissioners, the family of Joseph Goudal. Chateau Lafite will be classified 1er Grand Cru Classé in 1855.
In 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased it, by auction again, and since then the estate has remained the property of his family. Apart from its exceptional terroir (deep gravel, resting on marl and limestone basement), the quality can be explained by the average age of the vineyard (40 years), low yield per hectare and a rigorous selection. In the years 1960-1970 the wines were of lesser quality, due to less stringent management of the vineyards and the vinification process.
Since 1975, the chateau, celebrated by fans around the world, produces magnificent wines, thanks to the dynamic leadership of Eric de Rothschild. In exceptionally fine notes, the wine deploys a fabulous aromatic complexity. In regard impressive, their aging potential seems unlimited.
In the 20th century, the Carruades were marketed separately from Château Lafite before being integrated. The name Carruades adopted as the name of Château Lafite Rothschild’s second wine, was initially called “Moulin des Carruades” before the 1980’s.
70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 2% petit verdot, 3% cabernet franc
To Drink till 2035
Maceration lasts 10 to 20 days
Robert Parker: 91