Château Lafite Rothschild 2025

Château Lafite Rothschild farms gravel rises in the north of the Médoc, in Pauillac, one of the five wines classified Premier Grand Cru in 1855. The name comes from la hite, a hillock, and the elevation matters: the deep gravel mounds drain freely and store warmth, ripening the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon, while the poor stony soils restrict yields and concentrate the fruit. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, usually well over eighty per cent, with Merlot for flesh and a little Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc for colour and lift. Barrel ageing in French oak resolves the firm young tannins through slow oxygen exchange and contributes cedar and fine spice, the style favouring elegance and restraint over weight. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is reserved at first, then offers blackcurrant, red currant and ripe plum, with cedar, pencil shaving and a touch of earth. The palate is structured and refined, the tannins firm but finely grained, the finish long and savoury. This is a wine built for the cellar and best given years. Serve at 17 degrees and decant well ahead, with beef, lamb or game.