Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2018

Tasting Notes

The first sensation is graphite. Then dark and dense cassis, followed by notes of cedar and pencil shavings. The 2018 Lafite Rothschild is dense but not heavy. The tannins are subtle but firm, coating the palate in a way that suggests this wine is not quite there yet. There's a savory, almost iron minerality in the long finish. Powerful. But precise at the same time. This is a 2018 wine for long aging.

Grape Varieties

The 2018 Château Lafite Rothschild blend is roughly as follows:

• 91% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 8.5% Merlot
• 0.5% Petit Verdot

Why so much Cabernet? Hot and dry summers are perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, giving it thick rind, deep color and ripe tannins. Merlot adds just enough fleshiness to round out the mid-palate. Adding a small amount of Petit Verdot lends a savory note. There is no Cabernet Franc in this year's final blend.

Cellaring Potential

s it ready to drink now? Not really; the optimal drinking window is from 2030 to 2055. It needs years for the tannins (compounds derived from the skins and 1new oak) to integrate; store at 12-14°C. Expect blackcurrants to evolve into tobacco, leather and truffles.

The Producer

When Baron James de Rothschild bought the estate in 1868,, Lafite was already at the top of the 1855 classification. Today, the estate is managed by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, and Saskia de Rothschild took over as chairwoman in 2018, the same year this wine was made. Lafite Rothschild is the most restrained of the Pauillac First Growths, almost Burgundy like.

Terroir & Climate

Lafite Rothschild is characterized by deep gravel deposits overlying Tertiary limestone and marl. Why it matters. The gravel drains quickly and retains heat, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon roots to grow deeper in search of water and for the grapes to ripen evenly. The estate sits on a gravel mound, known locally as a croup, which rises gently above the surrounding land. The nearby estuary of the Gironde mitigates the frosts and summer heat.

Winemaking

Lafite Rothschild's signature technique is to age the wine for 18-20 months in 100% new French oak. The barrels are from the in-house Tonnellerie des Domaines workshop, and the toast and grain are specially selected for this wine. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats, stainless steel and concrete tanks, and malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks before transfer to barrels. Concentration and restraint. This is the hallmark of Lafite Rothschild.

Food Pairing

Cabernet's firm tannins want to lean on protein and fat. There are a few pairings we would recommend:

• Agneau de Pauillac, simply roasted with garlic and thyme.
• Côte de Boeuf, grilled and served with shallots.
• Beef cheeks braised over low heat, classic Bordelaise style.
• Aged Comté or sheep cheese after the main course.

Served at 16-18°C. Decant at least two hours before serving.