Lafite

Lafite, in wine context, typically refers to Château Lafite Rothschild, a historic wine estate in Pauillac, on Bordeaux’s left bank. It is one of the five Premier Cru (First Growth) estates recognized in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification.

History and ownership: The site has a long viticultural history dating to the 13th century. It remained under the Lafite family for centuries until 1868, when Baron James Mayer de Rothschild purchased the property and renamed it Château Lafite Rothschild. Since 1987 the estate has been part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), the Rothschild family group that also controls other Bordeaux properties.

Vineyards and production: The estate covers about 112 hectares (roughly 275 acres) of vineyards, planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot as complementary varietals. Soils are gravel over clay-limestone, a combination that supports Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and aging potential. The flagship wine, Château Lafite Rothschild, is typically a Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend known for elegance, balance, and long aging. The estate also produces a second wine, Carruades de Lafite, from younger or less prominent lots.

Wine style and reception: Lafite Rothschild wines are characterized by depth, refined tannins, and considerable longevity, often displaying notes of cassis, cedar, and graphite. The estate’s wines are widely distributed internationally and consistently rank among the most admired and, at times, among the most expensive Bordeaux wines.

Notes: The name Lafite can also appear in other historical or genealogical contexts, but in a wine encyclopedia sense it refers chiefly to Château Lafite Rothschild.