Wines Pauillac Château Lafite Rothschild - 2011

Viniou Reviews

Château Lafite Rothschild 2011, a renowned Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac in Bordeaux, stands as a benchmark for elegance and complexity among Left Bank wines. The 2011 vintage, shaped by a challenging growing season, delivers a wine of refined structure and remarkable purity. Typically, Lafite’s blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot, with touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though the precise composition varies each year. The terroir is exceptional, with deep gravelly soils over limestone, contributing to the wine’s remarkable finesse and ageing potential. Vinification at Lafite remains traditional, with meticulous selection both in the vineyard and at the sorting table, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and élevage in fine French oak barrels, about 80% of which are new.

Pauillac, found in the heart of the Médoc, benefits from a mild maritime climate moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary. Such proximity provides natural humidity but also protects vines from harsh frosts. Pauillac’s gravels ensure excellent drainage, encouraging deep rooting of vines and yielding grapes that exhibit extraordinary concentration and minerality. As a historic region, Bordeaux owes much of its global prestige to properties like Lafite Rothschild, whose legacy stretches back centuries.

For food pairing, Lafite Rothschild 2011 deserves dishes of substance yet subtlety, so as not to overpower its delicate aromatics. Classic pairings would include roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, rare rib of beef, or game birds like pigeon or duck breast. To highlight local flavours, consider a Pauillac lamb, a regional speciality, or confit de canard. Hard cheeses such as aged Comté or English cheddar also complement the wine’s structure and tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine at least two hours before serving to allow its bouquet to unfold and its tannins to soften. Serve at 16-18°C in large, tulip-shaped glasses to accentuate its layered aromas and graceful palate. While drinking beautifully now with proper aeration, this vintage is also suitable for further cellaring, rewarding patience with additional nuance and complexity.