Château Lafite-Rothschild 1988

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lafite-Rothschild 1988

Tasting

Nose
Elegant notes of cedar and waxed leather, accompanied by still young fruity touches

Palate
The palate is precise, supported by ripe and supple tannins as well as a finish of beautiful persistence.

The creaminess and precision of a Pauillac wine

The property

First among the classified growths in 1855 of Bordeaux, the Château Lafite-Rothschild is a lord on its gravel lands. Carrying a long viticultural tradition initiated in 1620, it has asserted itself over the centuries as a true standard of the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. Indeed, from Cardinal Richelieu to the then President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, the great personalities of this world have fallen under the charm of these great wines with a unique soul and unparalleled refinement.

The vineyard

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

The vintage

After a victorious battle against oidium in June, a hot and dry summer allowed optimal ripening of the grapes. The cabernets and merlots turned out to be colorful, powerful and tannic. The harvest, stretching from September 27 to October 15, began with the merlots and cabernet francs, followed by the cabernet sauvignons.

Vinification and aging

Parcel vinification in wooden, stainless steel or cement vats. Alcoholic fermentation accompanied by regular pumping over. Maceration of about 20 days depending on the vintages. Following malolactic fermentation, barreling in French oak barrels from the property's cooperage. Individual tasting of barrels to select the most qualitative for the final blend. Aging for 20 months in barrels (100% new).

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (72%), merlot (28%).