Chateau Lafite 2000 Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classè

Château Lafite Rothschild 2000: A Millennium Icon

The 2000 vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild stands as one of the most legendary expressions from this prestigious Pauillac estate. A wine of immense elegance and depth.

A Historic Vintage

Perfect Weather Conditions

The year 2000 enjoyed ideal weather in Bordeaux: a mild spring, a warm but balanced summer, and a dry, sunny September. The result was a harvest of perfectly ripe grapes, allowing for the creation of a wine destined for greatness.

Pauillac at Its Best

With its gravel-rich soils and expert winemaking team, Château Lafite was able to craft a wine that balances structure, finesse, and aromatic precision—a true emblem of Pauillac.

Winemaking and Aging

Precision and Patience

Fermentation took place in wooden and stainless steel vats, followed by 20 months of aging in 100% new French oak barrels. Every step was handled with the utmost care to preserve purity and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, hinting at its age and concentration.

Nose

A refined and complex bouquet of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, tobacco, and earthy undertones with a touch of truffle and dried rose.

Palate

Elegant, layered, and powerful. Silky tannins support a core of dark fruit, minerality, and spice. The finish is endless, displaying grace and strength in equal measure.

Food Pairings

• Beef filet with foie gras (Rossini style)

• Roasted lamb with rosemary

• Game meats in wine-based sauces

• Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano

Conclusion

Château Lafite Rothschild 2000 is a masterful wine that represents the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking. It is not only a pleasure to drink today but a valuable collector’s bottle that will continue to evolve beautifully for decades.

Technical Sheet

Wine: Château Lafite Rothschild
Vintage: 2000
Producer: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
Appellation: Pauillac AOC
Bottle size: 750 ml
Type: Dry red wine
Grapes: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Alcohol content: 13% ABV
Serving temperature: 17–18°C (62–64°F)
Aging: 20 months in new French oak barrels
Cellaring potential: 50+ years
Availability: Extremely limited

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Château Lafite Rothschild: A Legend of Bordeaux Winemaking

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most renowned and revered names in the world of wine. As one of the five First Growths (Premier Cru Classé) from the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, it stands as a symbol of excellence, elegance, and tradition. Its story stretches back centuries and is deeply intertwined with the history of the Médoc region and the evolution of fine winemaking in France.

The Origins: From the Middle Ages to the 17th Century

Early Mentions of “Lafite”

The name “Lafite” was first mentioned in the 13th century. Derived from the Gascon term “la hite”, meaning “the hill,” it refers to the elevated location of the estate—an essential feature for quality viticulture.

The Ségur Family and the Birth of Greatness

In the 17th century, the estate came under the ownership of the Ségur family, known for their deep commitment to viticulture. Jacques de Ségur played a key role in cultivating vineyards and laying the foundation for Lafite’s growing reputation.

The 18th Century: An Era of Prestige

A Royal Favorite

The 18th century marked a turning point for Château Lafite. Under the stewardship of Marquis Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur, often referred to as the “Prince of Vines,” the wines of Lafite gained enormous popularity at the court of Versailles. King Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour were among its notable admirers.

International Acclaim

At the same time, Lafite wines were making waves beyond France. The estate’s wines became highly sought after in England and the American colonies. Thomas Jefferson, later the third U.S. president, was a well-documented fan.

The 19th Century: From Recognition to Rothschild

The 1855 Classification

In 1855, during the Exposition Universelle in Paris, Emperor Napoleon III commissioned the official classification of Bordeaux wines. Château Lafite was placed at the top as a Premier Cru Classé, sharing this elite rank with Margaux, Latour, and Haut-Brion (Mouton Rothschild joined in 1973).

The Rothschild Acquisition

In 1868, Baron James de Rothschild, a prominent figure of the famous banking dynasty, purchased the château. From that moment forward, the estate was known as Château Lafite Rothschild, cementing its legacy under the Rothschild family’s stewardship.

The 20th Century: Challenges and Renewal

Surviving the Storms

Lafite endured the many trials of the 20th century, including two World Wars, economic downturns, and the phylloxera crisis. Despite these challenges, the estate preserved its standing through careful management and a strong commitment to quality.

Modernization and Vision

In the post-war years, particularly from the 1970s onward, Éric de Rothschild led a major modernization effort: renovating cellars, updating vineyard practices, and embracing scientific advancements—all while maintaining the classical style of Lafite wines.

The 21st Century: Excellence and Sustainability

A Global Icon

Today, Château Lafite Rothschild is a global symbol of luxury and tradition. The Rothschild family has expanded their wine ventures to Chile, Argentina, and China, yet Lafite remains the crown jewel of their portfolio.

Environmental Responsibility

Recent years have seen the estate deepen its commitment to sustainable viticulture, including organic practices, reduced chemical use, and a strong focus on environmental preservation—ensuring the vineyard’s health for generations to come.

Conclusion

Château Lafite Rothschild is far more than just a wine—it is a piece of living history. With its noble heritage, unwavering quality, and commitment to excellence, it continues to inspire wine lovers and collectors worldwide. Each bottle tells the story of a château that has defined the very essence of fine Bordeaux.