Wines Pauillac Château Lafite Rothschild - Almanac Assortment Case - 2004

Viniou Reviews

Château Lafite Rothschild 2004 from the revered Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux stands as a testament to the elegance and longevity of the region’s great wines. This grand vin, crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and a hint of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, reflects a classic Médoc blend, shaped by its exceptional terroir. The 2004 vintage benefits from an extended ripening period, which brought complexity and freshness to the wine. Careful hand-harvesting, meticulous sorting of the grapes, traditional fermentation in wooden vats, and ageing in new French oak give this Lafite Rothschild both power and finesse, defined by subtle cassis, graphite, cedar, and mineral notes.

Pauillac lies at the heart of Bordeaux’s Left Bank, where the cool Atlantic winds and moderate maritime climate nurture a slow and balanced maturation of the grapes. The gravelly soils of the Médoc are famed for their exceptional drainage, forcing the vines to sink deep roots and yield grapes of remarkable concentration. Pauillac’s rich history boasts some of the world’s most celebrated châteaux, most notably Lafite, which has produced wine since the 17th century and achieved its first growth classification in 1855, remaining a benchmark for complex, ageworthy Bordeaux.

Such a distinguished Pauillac calls for refined food pairings that complement its structure and nuance. A classic roast lamb with rosemary and garlic makes for a harmonious match, as Pauillac is renowned for its affinity with lamb. Rich game such as venison, or a beef Wellington, work particularly well with the wine’s depth and tannic grip. For a local touch, try entrecôte à la Bordelaise, where the umami of the sauce mirrors the wine’s savoury undertones. Mature hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Cantal can also highlight the wine’s aromatic complexity.

To enjoy this wine at its best, decant for at least an hour to allow the bouquet and flavours to fully reveal themselves. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, ideally in large Bordeaux glasses. This 2004 still has years ahead but is already offering ample pleasure now with careful preparation and patient enjoyment.