Château Lafite Rothschild 2000, presented here in the impressive jeroboam format, is a truly remarkable Pauillac from the heart of Bordeaux’s Médoc. The Lafite 2000 vintage stands as one of the most iconic wines of its era, embodying the elegance and complexity for which this celebrated First Growth is renowned. While the precise cepage can vary, the wine is typically based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot potentially completing the blend. In 2000, near-ideal weather contributed to exceptionally healthy and ripe fruit, resulting in a wine of structure, depth and astonishing ageing potential. Maturation in new French oak casks further enhances its aromatic complexity, integrating subtle notes of cedar, graphite, cassis and tobacco with time.
The Pauillac appellation lies at the northern heart of the Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Benefitting from a temperate maritime climate and cool breezes off the river, vines here thrive in gravelly, well-drained soils, ideal for producing structured, age-worthy reds dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Historically, Pauillac has produced some of the world’s most famous and long-lived wines, with a style that marries robust tannic backbone to remarkable finesse and aromatic lift.
This distinguished wine deserves equally refined food pairings. It excels alongside classic French dishes such as roast rack of lamb with herbs, aged entrecôte steak with bordelaise sauce, or magret de canard with seasonal mushrooms. Regional specialities like Pauillac lamb are a natural complement, and mature hard cheeses such as Comté can also provide a fitting finale.
To best appreciate the complexity and nuance of Lafite Rothschild 2000, serve it at around 17-18°C. If opened now, consider decanting for several hours to allow the bouquet to unfurl, particularly given the larger format which helps preserve freshness. This is a wine to savour slowly, ideally with good company and a special occasion.
