Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) traces its modern history to 1868, when Baron James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite at a public auction. This acquisition followed the estate’s designation as a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a status that remains its defining characteristic. Over several generations, the family expanded their holdings by acquiring other prestigious properties, creating a global group managed with a singular technical approach. Baron Eric de Rothschild led the estates for over forty years starting in 1974, overseeing a period of modernization and international growth. In 2018, his daughter Saskia de Rothschild became the chairwoman of the company, representing the sixth generation of family stewardship.

The core of the group consists of several Bordeaux properties, most notably Château Lafite Rothschild in the Pauillac appellation. This estate covers 112 hectares on a plateau of deep, fine gravel over a limestone subsoil, which provides natural drainage and contributes to the wine's characteristic structure. The group also manages Château Rieussec in Sauternes, which they acquired in 1984. At Rieussec, the 85 hectares of vineyards are planted on sandy-clay gravel and produce sweet wines from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. Winemaking across all properties emphasizes plot-by-plot vinification to preserve the specific character of each parcel of vines. The group operates its own cooperage, producing approximately 2,000 barrels annually to maintain strict quality control over the maturation process.

The flagship wine, Château Lafite Rothschild, is a global benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon blends, valued for its ability to age for many decades and its aromatic complexity. Its second wine, Carruades de Lafite, is produced from specific plots including the Carruades plateau and follows the same rigorous standards as the Grand Vin. Château Rieussec is highly regarded as a Premier Cru Classé in Sauternes, producing concentrated wines through meticulous successive harvests of botrytized grapes. Beyond these properties, the group includes other prominent estates such as Château Duhart Milon in Pauillac and Château l’Évangile in Pomerol. This collection of properties allows the family to maintain a leading presence across the most significant appellations of the Bordeaux region.