2001 Château Lafite Rothschild

This is a legendary First Growth (Premier Grand Cru Classé) from the historic Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Renowned among private collectors for its unmatched elegance, perfume, and ethereal longevity, Château Lafite Rothschild is defined by its unique gravel terroir, which allows its predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blends to achieve absolute structural harmony and aristocratic finesse.

The 2001 vintage is an exceptional classicist's Bordeaux. Overshadowed initially by the powerful 2000 vintage, 2001 has emerged over the last two decades as a spectacular, aromatically superior expression that highlights Lafite’s signature perfume and precision. Having evolved beautifully in the bottle, the wine opens with a seductive, complex bouquet of blackcurrant, dark plums, and fresh violets, closely woven with traditional Left Bank notes of lead pencil shavings, cedar wood, cigar wrapper, and earthy forest floor. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and incredibly silken, demonstrating a perfectly balanced mid-palate driven by a vibrant core of acidity. The youthful tannins have completely softened into a fine, velvety framework, carrying into an endlessly long, majestic, and mineral-tinged finish.

Highlights

• Vintage: 2001

• Region/Appellation: Pauillac, Left Bank, Bordeaux, France

• Producer: Château Lafite Rothschild

• Grape: Left Bank Bordeaux Blend (Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot)

• Style: Mature, Aristocratic, and Intricately Perfumed First Growth Red Bordeaux

• Perfect for (food pairing): Premium cuts of milk-fed roasted rack of lamb with a delicate herb crust, dry-aged wagyu or ribeye steak, or slow-braised beef cheeks in a rich red wine reduction. Its highly evolved cedar and violet aromatics also make it a sublime companion for roasted game birds (such as pheasant or squab), classic duck breast with a wild mushroom reduction, or a selection of premium, well-aged hard cheeses like a mature Comté.