Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1949

The word Lafite derives from Guascon the “hite” meaning the slopes. The vineyards dates back to 1670, under the supervision of Jacques de Sègur; one of his descendents : Nicolas Alexandre de Sègur was named the “prince of the vines”as he continued to purchase in 1718 Lafite, Latour, Calon and Mouton.

At the very beginning of the 18 th century, it was one of the rare “new french claret” sold in London. Under the reign of Louis XV, Lafite became the King of wine. The revolution was a tricky time that coincided with the sad ending of the Descendents of Sègur. Opening a new period, marked by exceptional qualities of the managing family Gould. They managed the “Domaine” until the purchase of Lafite by the baron and banker James de Rothschild in 1868. The vineyards consists of 74 hectares of vines.

The most obvious characteristic in Lafite is the mere strenght of the vines. They age remarkably well and the yield stays rather low. The second wine “Moulin des Carruades” then became at the beginning of 1980 “ Carruades de Lafite”.

Lafite’s wine during the 19^th century vintages remained everlasting. In the 20^th century a bleak period was readdressed in a magisterial manner from 1975. Since 1981 legendary vintages have taken places.

The finesse and raciness of Lafite are particulary notable. Sometimes, it seems lighter than its fellow “medocains” in its prime. But its ground provides it with exceptional qualities that are revelead more and more throughout the years. Flourishing more so with time, it brings a certain poise to one of the best wines of the world.

COMMENTS
Light medium red colour. A certain fragrant and rose hip character, masked by obvious oxidized character. One of the two bottles which were combined must have been oxidized and one good. The character of the better bottle still apparent but overwhelmed by the poor one. Thus we werw unable to appreciate the fine , fragrant and cedary qualities that this wine can offer.