2006 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 750ml

Overview

A Bordeaux First Growth with three separate 96-point reviews and a drinking window extending to 2075, the 2006 Château Lafite Rothschild is a powerful, tightly structured and highly collectible expression of Pauillac.

The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend delivers exceptional density, classical Left Bank character and enormous longevity. After almost two decades of maturation, it is entering its recommended drinking window while retaining the structure to continue developing for many more years.

Classification

Premier Grand Cru Classé – First Growth, 1855 Classification

Critical Acclaim

• 96 Points – Decanter
• 96 Points – Wine Enthusiast
• 96 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
• 95 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
• 95 Points – Wine Spectator
• 18.5/20 – La Revue du Vin de France
• 18.5/20 – Gault & Millau
• 3 Stars, Coup de Cœur – Le Guide Hachette des Vins

Full bodied, structured and showing a crisp, firm, yet elegant and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon character.

As so often with Lafite, it is power that marks this wine. That, and density of texture.

Estate Tasting Notes

Deep and remarkably dark in colour. The initially discreet bouquet gradually develops primary fruit, cedar, forest floor, tobacco and smoky notes, with the oak becoming increasingly integrated through bottle maturation.

The palate is powerful, full and dense, with excellent structure and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. Firm but finely composed tannins carry the wine towards a persistent finish accented by integrated cedar and savoury complexity.

Vintage Conditions

The 2006 season began with a colder and wetter winter than several preceding vintages. A warm, relatively dry spring continued through July, encouraging an early change in grape colour and strong ripening progress.

August was cooler, but sunny September weather supported further maturation. A stormy period in mid-September accelerated the harvest schedule, requiring precise parcel selection to preserve balance, concentration and freshness.

Winemaking and Maturation

The 2006 Grand Vin was assembled from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine was matured for approximately 18 to 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels, building the cedar, tobacco and structural complexity associated with mature Lafite.

Wine Details

• Producer: Château Lafite Rothschild
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC, Bordeaux
• Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé
• Vintage: 2006
• Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
• Winemaker: Charles Chevallier
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Maturation: 18–20 months in 100% new French oak barrels
• Drinking Window: 2016–2075

Food Pairing

Pair with beef Wellington, roast ribeye, rack of lamb, venison, game birds, truffle dishes or mature hard cheeses. Decant carefully before serving to allow its layered aromatics and tightly composed structure to open fully.