Château Lafite Rothschild Collection

Situated in the northernmost sector of Pauillac on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, Château Lafite Rothschild stands as perhaps the most famous and aristocratic First Growth (Premier Grand Cru Classé) of the 1855 Classification. With winemaking origins dating back to the late 17th century, the estate has been under the visionary custodianship of the Rothschild family for six generations since 1868. Today, under the leadership of Saskia de Rothschild, Lafite continues to embody the absolute benchmark of restraint, aromatic nuance, and eternal longevity.

The winemaking philosophy at Château Lafite Rothschild shuns pure power and heavy concentration in favor of sublime harmony, weightless density, and cedar-spiced complexity. By meticulously cultivating parcel by parcel across 112 hectares of vines, the winemaking team captures a signature cashmere texture and mineral tension that can effortlessly evolve over decades.

Terroir & Viticulture

• Soil & Geography: The estate is situated on deep, well-draining mounds (croupes) of fine Garonne gravel mixed with wind-blown aeolian sand, all resting over a deep subsoil of tertiary limestone (calcaire de Saint-Estèphe). This unique geology forces roots deep into the bedrock while naturally limiting vine yields and regulating water access during warm vintages.

• Grape Varieties & Farming:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon (~80–95% in Grand Vin / 70% of vineyard): The heart and soul of Lafite, imparting linear structure, graphite notes, fresh mint, lead pencil, and firm aging capability.

  • Merlot (~5–20% in blend / 25% of vineyard): Brings plush mid-palate roundness, soft fruit contours, and dark plum aromatics.

  • Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot (~1–3% combined): Provide delicate floral fragrance, dried herb notes, and vibrant color intensity.

• Cellar Precision: Hand-harvested grapes undergo parcel-by-parcel fermentation in custom oak, concrete, and stainless-steel vats. The Grand Vin matures for 18–20 months in 100% new French oak barrels crafted at the estate’s own cooperage (Tonnellerie des Domaines) in Pauillac.

Portfolio Breakdown

Tier / Wine Name	Character Profile	Key Varietals & Maturation	Cellaring / Drinking Window
Château Lafite Rothschild (Grand Vin / Flagship)	Fragrant, ethereal, and seamless; notes of cassis, pencil shavings, cedar, truffles, and delicate mint supported by satiny, refined tannins.	80–95% Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced by Merlot & trace Petit Verdot; aged 18–20 months in 100% new custom oak.	20–50+ years
Carruades de Lafite (Second Wine / Tier 2)	Accessible, supple, and floral; vibrant dark berries, cedar spice, and graphite with a silky, rounded finish.	Higher proportion of Merlot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon; aged in fine French oak barrels.	8–20 years
Anseillan (Specialty / Terroir Tier)	Fresh, lively, and structured; vibrant blackcurrant, wild bramble, violet, and slate-like mineral tension.	Merlot-dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon from cool, clay-rich plots; aged in oak and cement vats.	3–15 years

Food Pairings

Epicurean Food Pairings

• Grand Vin (Château Lafite Rothschild): Prime rack of lamb with rosemary, roasted venison loin, pan-seared squab, or slow-aged hard cheeses like Mimolette or Comté.

• Second Wine (Carruades de Lafite): Herb-crusted veal chop, duck breast with blackberry jus, or wild mushroom risotto.

• Specialty Tier (Anseillan): Roasted pork loin, grilled ribeye steaks, or charcuterie and artisanal tapas.

Shop Château Lafite Rothschild at ZYN

Experience the quiet majesty and peerless pedigree of Pauillac. Every allocation in our Château Lafite Rothschild collection is maintained in optimal, temperature-controlled cellar conditions to guarantee pristine provenance.

Visit ZYN Calgary to explore our fine wine room in person, or order online at ZYN.ca for fast local delivery and nationwide shipping across Canada.