Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Futures Pre-Sale) 2023

To achieve balance at Lafite, there’s no need to arrive with big hooves. This year, more than ever, Lafite entered discreetly, without being noticed. In the vineyard, he asked questions. In the wake of successive heatwaves, we expected a shock, a tipping point, but their vines continued their serene trajectory, the grapes reaching maturity while retaining a precious tension.

In the cellar, extractions must be precise, we’re down to the day, with a run-off calendar where we have to make the right choices. At Olivier’s instigation, we decided to blend our finest lots, destined for the grand vin, earlier than usual, as early as December. And that’s when the balance was struck!

A quiet power is born this year from blending. Just as in this illustration, where you might see individuals face to face holding hands, the parcels are built together, reminding us that nothing beats the art of blending.

Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot