Château Lafite-Rothschild 2001

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Château Lafite-Rothschild 2001

Tasting

Elegance, harmony as well as a rich tannic structure and very pure fruit are the main characteristics of this vintage, which is less opulent than the 2020.

The precision and refinement of a Pauillac wine

The estate

Château Lafite-Rothschild, first among the 1855 Bordeaux Premier Cru Classé, possesses the best soils with deep gravel. With a long winegrowing tradition dating back to 1620, it has established itself over the centuries as a true flagship of the Pauillac appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Indeed, from Cardinal Richelieu to then US President Thomas Jefferson, great personalities of this world have fallen in love with these great wines, with their unique soul and incomparable refinement.

The vineyard

Château Lafite-Rothschild benefits from an exceptional location with a vineyard divided into three main areas of Pauillac. From the hills surrounding the Château to the Carruades plateau in the west and a plot in the neighboring commune of Saint-Estèphe, Château Lafite-Rothschild watches over a total of 112 hectares of vines, planted on deep gravel soils with sand on the surface, while the limestone subsoil allows for excellent drainage.

The vintage

After a wet and mild winter, early budburst led to even flowering, despite some cases of coulure in the Merlots. The summer, with alternating warm and cloudy phases, led to uneven ripening, but the harvest took place under excellent conditions. It began on September 28 with the Merlots, intensified on October 1 with 350 pickers, and ended on October 11. Careful selection allowed only the best grapes to be kept for vinification.

Winemaking and ageing

Plot-by-plot vinification in wooden, stainless steel or concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation with regular pumping over. Maceration time of about 22 days depending on the vintage. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels from the in-house cooperage. Individual barrel tastings to select the best quality wines for the final blend.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (86.5%) and Merlot (13.5%).