Tasting Notes:
From the archive: Steven Spurrier – “My top 10 Bordeaux wines of all time” (Photo is taken from this memoir also)
“This wine completes the Pauillac triumvirate in my selection and is always my answer to the question: ‘What is the most memorable wine you have ever drunk?’ The restaurant Darroze in southwest France had one of the greatest cellars in the country, much of which I packed up in the early 1980s for sale at Christie’s.
The 1806 had been re-corked at the château in 1953 and six bottles each sold to Darroze, Le Chapon Fin in Bordeaux, Le Coq Hardi at Bougival and Le Taillevent in Paris. The occasion was September 1969, the host a close friend and (mostly) Burgundy lover, David Fromkin, and the guests Martin Bamford MW (we were all staying at Château Loudenne which he managed for IDV), my wife Bella and two others.
After Dom Pérignon and Marquis de Laguiche’s Montrachet, this was the first red wine, not decanted to avoid oxidation, but poured directly into the glass.
The colour was a fading but clear red, the nose delicate with red fruits present, the finish firm and fragrant and then, after 30 minutes, it died away, but its memory did not.
Cult Wines International Notes:
A Legacy of Excellence
Château Lafite Rothschild, one of only four classified First Growths in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, stands as a symbol of unparalleled finesse and sophistication in the world of wine. Since its acquisition by the Rothschild family in 1868, this Pauillac estate has consistently produced wines of exceptional quality, captivating wine lovers worldwide. Now, over 170 years later, Château Lafite Rothschild continues to exemplify the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking, captivating generations with its timeless elegance and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Terroir & Winemaking Excellence
Nestled in the heart of Pauillac, the vineyard benefits from a distinctive blend of gravel, clay, and limestone, creating a terroir perfectly suited for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 112-hectare estate, divided into distinct parcels, includes the prized hillside vineyards contributing to the Grand Vin and the Carruades plateau, source of the second wine, Carruades de Lafite.
Lafite Rothschild employs meticulous winemaking practices, including the production of their own barriques in their cooperage, ensuring the highest quality standards are met at every stage.
The Grand Vin: A Timeless Icon
Château Lafite Rothschild, the estate’s flagship wine, is renowned for its elegance, complexity, and remarkable aging potential. This iconic Bordeaux blend, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits exquisite aromas of cassis, cedar, and tobacco, evolving with grace over decades.
Carruades de Lafite: A More Accessible Expression
Carruades de Lafite, the second wine, offers a more approachable and immediate drinking experience while maintaining the high standards of quality associated with the Lafite name.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored properly in a climate controlled cellar.
Condition:
Yes. 1806. Can you believe it? America was only 30 years old at the time these pre-phylloxera grapes were picked. The Louisiana Purchase had happened only 3 years earlier.
This wine was made 49 years before Lafite was even classified as a First Growth!
Renowned wine collector Thomas Jefferson was the president of the United States at this time. He was 63 years old at this time, and enjoying French wines. It’s certainly possible that he tasted this same wine during his lifetime. Imaging drinking the same wine that the founding fathers were able to try? It is such an incredible idea to think about.
This bottle was recorked at the Chateau in 1953 as indicated by the label on the bottle. Just like the infamous bottle tasted by Steven Spurrier mentioned above.
Wine is in excellent condition for it’s age. Nice color still evident. Fill level is good, but not surprising given its Chateau recorking (typically wines are topped off with the same vintage during Chateau recorkings)
The bottle is very old. You can see the bubbles in the glass and such.
The Chateau was only known as “Lafite” at the time of the original bottling, as Baron James Mayer Rothschild did not buy the château until 1868. However the bottle was labeled as “Chateau Lafite-Rothschild” during the recorking in 1953.
This bottle is expensive, yes, but it’s absolute chance of a lifetime and a true piece de resistance for the ultimate wine collector.
Please understand. Due to this wine’s incredible rarity and value, we will not allow the sale of this wine as a standard purchase. Only wire-transfer will be the accepted payment method, as we cannot risk a chargeback on this item. Additionally, the Buyer will assume all shipping risks. This bottle would be best hand delivered and accepted. Not shipped by common carrier. Please contact us if you are interested.
