I had the chance to visit the Chateaux few times already and it is always a pleasure to bring some guests there. The Chateau Lafite organize <b>visit and wine tasting by appointment only</b> and depending on their availabilities but if you are lucky and if you book long time ahead you could have the chance to be welcome for a wine tasting.
The Chateau is located in <b>Pauillac appellation</b>, northen part of the Medoc just between St Julien and St Estephe.<br />
The name comes from an old French word "La hite" which means the litle hill.<br />
The vineyard has 114 hectares and the chateau produces app. 500 000 bottles a year for half part dedicated to the first wine and the other half to the second label (Les Carruades de Lafite).
The blend is 70% cabernet sauvignon + 25% merlot + 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
The avarage age of the vineyard is 40yo with some older plots of 80yo.
The wine will aged for 17-20 month in 100% brand new oak barrels. The barrels are all manufactured by their own cooperage and they produce app. 2000 per year.
The legendary vintages are 1945, 1947, 1982, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010. The potential of aging of this wine is exceptional with a minimum of 15 years for a classical vintage up to 50years and plus for top quality vintages. If you visit the chateau they will explain to you that they still have some bottles of 1797 and they taste regularly old vintages (60-70 yo) still very drinkable.
The tasting will take place is the magnificient barrel cellar design by Ricardo Bofill in 1987.
To come for a visit, you will have more chance during the low season from November to March. The chateau is closed the week, during the Primeur week (April) and from August to October.
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