Chateau Lafite 2005 Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classè

Château Lafite Rothschild 2005: The Elegance of an Extraordinary Vintage

The 2005 vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild is considered one of the most iconic of the 21st century. A wine that embodies the essence of Pauillac: refined, deep, and incredibly age-worthy.

History and Legacy

A Bordeaux Giant

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the five Premier Grand Cru Classé wines according to the 1855 classification. The estate, owned by the Rothschild family since 1868, is synonymous with excellence, tradition, and prestige.

The Soul of the Terroir

Located in the heart of Pauillac, Lafite stands out with its 112 hectares of vineyards, cultivated with mastery that respects nature and enhances the expression of the land.

Vineyard and Terroir

Pauillac in Purity

The gravelly soils over a limestone subsoil, combined with an ideal microclimate, allow for the perfect ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, the leading grape variety in the blend.

A Perfect Vintage

The 2005 vintage was exceptional: a mild spring, a warm yet balanced summer, and an optimal harvest. All the elements aligned to produce a monumental wine.

Winemaking and Aging

Strict Selection

The grapes are hand-harvested and selected with great care. Fermentation occurs in both wooden and stainless-steel vats, followed by 18-20 months of aging in new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Color

Deep ruby red with violet highlights.

Nose

An extraordinary bouquet of blackcurrant, graphite, sweet tobacco, oriental spices, and cedar. Complex, refined, and deep.

Palate

Wide, elegant, and structured. Silky yet present tannins. A perfect balance between power and refinement. The finish is long and mineral.

Food Pairings

A Match for the Myth

• Beef fillet with red wine reduction

• Roasted lamb with Provençal herbs

• Game meats (venison, wild boar)

• Aged cheeses (Comté, 36-month Parmigiano)

Conclusion

Château Lafite Rothschild 2005 is one of the absolute masterpieces of Bordeaux wine. A red wine for collectors, but also one to savor slowly to appreciate its evolution over time.

Technical Sheet

Product: Château Lafite Rothschild 2005
Producer: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
Appellation: Pauillac AOC, Bordeaux – France
Vintage: 2005
Format: 750 ml
Type: Dry red wine
Grape Varieties: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Content: 13.5% vol
Serving Temperature: 17–18°C
Aging: 18–20 months in new barrels
Aging Potential: Over 50 years
Production: 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.