2022 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 750ml

Overview

A landmark expression of one of Bordeaux’s most revered First Growths, Château Lafite Rothschild 2022 brings together exceptional concentration, precision and the distinctive elegance of Pauillac. The blend is led by 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.

The 2022 has received extraordinary critical acclaim, including perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate and a few other leading critics. Powerful yet remarkably controlled, this is a profound, long-lived Lafite with the structure and pedigree for extended cellaring.

Vintage

This is a monumental, blockbuster-yet-classic vintage.

The 2022 growing season was marked by frost risk, heavy June rainfall, prolonged drought and successive heatwaves. Older vines experienced significant water stress from mid-August, yet the estate’s vineyards came through the challenging conditions with fruit of very high quality. Harvest commenced on 1 September under favourable conditions.

Vineyard & Terroir

Château Lafite Rothschild lies at the northern end of Pauillac, bordering Saint-Estèphe. The estate comprises 112 hectares across the slopes surrounding the Château, the Carruades plateau to the west and a 4.5-hectare parcel in neighbouring Saint-Estèphe.

The Plateau des Carruades, the highest point of the Pauillac appellation, is particularly important to Lafite. Its well-drained clayey gravel soils and favourable exposure provide excellent water regulation and optimal ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Across the estate, fine, deep gravel mixed with windblown sand lies over well-drained tertiary limestone subsoil.

Winemaking

Grapes were allocated between wooden, stainless steel and concrete vats according to the characteristics of each plot and the maturity of the fruit. Alcoholic fermentation took place at controlled temperatures with regular pumping over for gentle phenolic extraction, followed by approximately 22 days of maceration.

After malolactic fermentation, the wines were transferred to French oak barrels. Every barrel was tasted individually and only the finest were selected for the final blend. The Grand Vin was then matured for 15 months in new oak barrels. Lafite maintains its own cooperage in Pauillac, the Tonnellerie des Domaines.

Producer Tasting Notes

“A wine that provides extreme sensations, everything seems perfectly in place.”

NOSE
“The nose, still discrete, reveals the balance of the bouquet, carried by fresh leather, violet, and cherry.”

PALATE
“On the palate, almost shy at first, it gradually unveils its incredible power, perfectly tamed by remarkably silky tannins.”

FINISH
“The finish is long and ends with perfect precision. It’s like lacework, a future masterpiece!”

— Château Lafite Rothschild

Critic Reviews

100/100 — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

100/100 — Falstaff
“Dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nuanced, multi-faceted nose, aromas of fresh cassis and black cherry nuances...”

100/100 — Wine Maniacs
“Vibrancy and finesse coexist. A lot of nuances coming from the juicy fruits bursting on the palate. Super fine tannins are well layered, creating a full, yet airy structure.”

100/100 — The Wine Palate

100/100 — VertdeVin

Awards

• 3 Stars, Coup de Cœur — Le Guide Hachette des Vins, awarded 2026

Specifications

• Vintage: 2022
• Producer: Château Lafite Rothschild
• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth)
• Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
• Wine Style: Dry Red Wine
• Maceration: Approximately 22 days
• Maturation: 15 months in new oak barrels
• Oak: French Oak
• Drinking Window: 2032–2080