Château Lafite Rothschild

Product brand

A historic Pauillac First Growth estate whose Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines are among the world’s most prestigious and collectible Bordeaux reds.

Last updated October 30, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.

Overview

Château Lafite Rothschild is a historic Bordeaux wine estate based in Pauillac, in the Médoc region of France. It is one of the four estates originally ranked as a First Growth, or Premier Cru, in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification; Château Mouton Rothschild became the fifth First Growth after its elevation in 1973. The classification remains central to Lafite’s identity and positions the estate among the most prestigious producers in the world. The property’s documented history reaches back to the thirteenth century, when it was associated with Gombaud de Lafite. Its modern viticultural identity developed under the Ségur family in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Jacques de Ségur planted much of the vineyard around 1680, while Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, refined production and helped introduce Lafite to influential European consumers. The estate acquired an exceptional reputation in aristocratic circles, where its wine was associated with the French court and became known by the evocative nickname “the King’s wine.” Thomas Jefferson visited Lafite in the eighteenth century and later remained an admirer and customer. The French Revolution ended Ségur ownership after Nicolas Pierre de Pichard was executed in 1794. The property subsequently became public property and was sold to Dutch merchants. During the first half of the nineteenth century it passed through the Vanlerberghe family, a period associated with continued improvements and several highly regarded vintages. In 1868 Baron James Mayer Rothschild acquired the estate for 4.4 million francs. He died only a few months later, leaving Lafite jointly to his sons Alphonse, Gustave and Edmond. The Rothschild name has remained part of the estate’s identity ever since. Lafite experienced both achievement and disruption during the twentieth century. It dealt with the consequences of phylloxera, changing vineyard conditions, and the upheavals of two world wars. During the Second World War, German forces occupied the château and its cellars were heavily plundered. From 1974 to 2018 the estate was directed by Éric de Rothschild, who was succeeded by his daughter Saskia de Rothschild. The estate’s principal vineyard covers approximately 107 hectares. Its plantings are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The first wine is produced selectively from the estate’s best lots, while a substantial share is released as Carruades de Lafite, the second wine. Lafite also developed an associated Chinese project in Shandong, where Domaine de Long Dai produced its first vintage in 2019. The brand’s market position combines scarcity, long-term cellaring potential, historic prestige and strong collector demand. Lafite wines are distributed internationally and have frequently commanded exceptional auction prices. That visibility has also made the name a target for counterfeiting, especially in the Chinese market. Today Château Lafite Rothschild remains an active Bordeaux estate whose identity rests on terroir, rigorous selection, Rothschild ownership and the enduring status of the 1855 classification.

History

Château Lafite Rothschild is a historic wine estate in Pauillac, in Bordeaux's Médoc. Its documented property history begins in the thirteenth century with Gombaud de Lafite. Although vines may have existed earlier, the estate's viticultural structure was substantially developed in the seventeenth century after the Ségur family acquired the property. Jacques de Ségur planted most of the vineyard around 1680, and Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, later improved winemaking and promoted the wine among elite European consumers. Lafite's reputation expanded in the eighteenth century. Support from the Maréchal de Richelieu helped associate the wine with the French court, contributing to the description “the King's wine.” Thomas Jefferson visited the estate and became a noted customer. The French Revolution brought an abrupt end to Ségur ownership: Nicolas Pierre de Pichard was executed in 1794, after which the estate became public property and was sold to Dutch merchants. The Vanlerberghe family controlled Lafite during much of the first half of the nineteenth century. The estate continued to improve and produced several notable early nineteenth-century vintages. In 1868 Baron James Mayer Rothschild bought Lafite for 4.4 million francs. His death three months later resulted in joint ownership by his sons Alphonse, Gustave and Edmond Rothschild. The estate thereafter became known as Château Lafite Rothschild. The 1855 Bordeaux Classification had already placed Lafite among the four original First Growths, a distinction that remains one of the estate's defining credentials. In the twentieth century, Lafite faced phylloxera and the broader effects of war and economic disruption. German forces occupied the château during the Second World War, and the cellars suffered extensive plundering. Despite these difficulties, the estate retained its classification and international reputation. Éric de Rothschild directed the estate from 1974 until 2018. He was succeeded by Saskia de Rothschild, who became the youngest woman to lead a Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux estate according to the referenced account. Under the modern estate model, Lafite combines a large Pauillac vineyard with strict selection for its first wine and a second wine, Carruades de Lafite. The vineyard is planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate has also extended its winemaking activity to China through a Shandong vineyard and Domaine de Long Dai, whose first vintage appeared in 2019. Lafite's scarcity, classification, ageability and association with the Rothschild family have made it a major collector wine. Its high profile has produced extraordinary auction results, including a contested 1787 bottle and highly priced 1869 bottles. The same prestige has encouraged counterfeiting, most notably the seizure of thousands of suspected fake bottles in Wenzhou in 2012. The estate remains active and globally distributed.

2024
Domaine William Fèvre joins the group
[6]Château Lafite Rothschild Owners Buy Domaine William Fèvre in Chabliswinespectator.com
DBR Lafite acquires Domaine William Fèvre, marking its first move into Burgundy.
2024
Chinese trademark dispute reaches final reported ruling
[3]China Supreme People's Court trademark ruling coveragelexology.com
China’s Supreme People’s Court upholds trademark-infringement and unfair-competition findings and reported compensation of RMB 79.17 million.
2019
First Domaine de Long Dai vintage
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
The associated Shandong project releases its first vintage under the Domaine de Long Dai name.
2018
Saskia de Rothschild succeeds Éric de Rothschild
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
Saskia de Rothschild takes over leadership of the estate and the wider family wine properties.
2018
Saskia de Rothschild assumes leadership
[5]Changing the image of Bordeauxpleasethepalate.com
Saskia de Rothschild takes over management of Lafite and the wider family wine properties.
2012
Bottle-authentication program introduced
[9]Bottle-authentication program introducedidealwine.info
Lafite adopts Prooftag authentication measures in response to the counterfeiting risks associated with its global reputation.
1985
Fine-art photography tradition begins
[8]Fine-art photography tradition beginswineexpress.com
The estate begins inviting fine-art photographers to create work connected with Château Lafite.
1974
Éric de Rothschild begins directing the estate
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
Éric de Rothschild assumes leadership of Lafite, beginning a period of modern stewardship that lasts until 2018. Éric de Rothschild assumes leadership of Lafite, beginning a period of modern stewardship that lasts until 2018; Baron Eric de Rothschild begins the period of modern family stewardship associated with renewed investment and technical development.
1868
Acquisition by Baron James Mayer Rothschild
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
Baron James Mayer Rothschild acquires the estate for 4.4 million francs, beginning the family ownership that continues today; the estate subsequently adopts the Lafite Rothschild name.
1855
Lafite receives First Growth status
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
The estate is ranked as one of the four original Premier Cru estates in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, receiving Premier Grand Cru Classé status.
1855
Classified as a First Growth
[2]History - Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)lafite.com
Lafite receives Premier Grand Cru Classé status in the Bordeaux Classification, becoming one of the original four First Growth estates.
1680
Major vineyard planting under Jacques de Ségur
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
Jacques de Ségur planted much of the vineyard, helping establish the estate's later viticultural identity. Jacques de Ségur planted much of the vineyard, helping establish the estate's later viticultural identity; the Ségur family is associated with planting and consolidating much of the vineyard that established Lafite as a leading Médoc property.
Early recorded association with Lafite
[1]Château Lafite Rothschilden.wikipedia.org
The property is documented in connection with Gombaud de Lafite; the Lafite property is recorded in medieval documentation, although it was not yet the fully developed wine estate known today.
Early documentary record
[2]History - Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)lafite.com
The Lafite property is recorded in medieval documentation, although it was not yet the fully developed wine estate known today.

Products and positioning

Ultra-premium, collectible and terroir-driven Bordeaux wine Luxury fine wine; Bordeaux First Growth; collectible, Cabernet Sauvignon-led Pauillac estate wine

First-growth red Bordeaux wine
Château Lafite Rothschild
The estate's flagship wine and one of Bordeaux's original First Growths. It is produced from carefully selected lots from the Pauillac vineyard, with Cabernet Sauvignon normally forming the dominant component and Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributing structure and complexity. The wine is known for its long aging potential, scarcity, collector demand and association with the Rothschild family and the 1855 classification. The estate’s flagship wine and one of Bordeaux’s archetypal First Growths. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, made from selected parcels in Lafite’s Pauillac vineyards. The wine is associated with aromatic precision, layered structure, restrained power and very long aging potential. Releases are distributed through the Bordeaux trade and are widely followed by collectors, merchants, restaurants and auction houses. The estate's flagship wine and one of Bordeaux's original First Growths. It is produced from carefully selected lots from the Pauillac vineyard, with Cabernet Sauvignon normally forming the dominant component and Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributing structure and complexity. The wine is known for aromatic precision, layered structure, restrained power, long aging potential, scarcity, collector demand and association with the Rothschild family and the 1855 classification. Releases are distributed through the Bordeaux trade and are widely followed by collectors, merchants, restaurants and auction houses.
Second-label red Bordeaux wine
Carruades de Lafite
Carruades de Lafite is the estate's second wine. It is made from selected grapes that do not enter the first wine's final blend, while retaining the Pauillac estate's stylistic identity. The label became especially prominent among international collectors and consumers during periods of strong demand for Lafite-associated wines. Lafite’s established second wine, made from lots that do not enter the final blend of the grand vin. It carries the estate’s Pauillac identity while generally offering a different balance of fruit, structure and earlier accessibility. Carruades is itself a highly recognizable fine-wine label and is traded internationally through the same specialist distribution environment as other leading Bordeaux second wines. Carruades de Lafite is the estate's second wine. It is made from selected grapes that do not enter the first wine's final blend, while retaining the Pauillac estate's stylistic identity and generally offering a different balance of fruit, structure and earlier accessibility. The label became especially prominent among international collectors and consumers during periods of strong demand for Lafite-associated wines, and is traded internationally through the same specialist distribution environment as other leading Bordeaux second wines.
Chinese estate red wine · 2019
Domaine de Long Dai
Domaine de Long Dai is associated with Lafite's Shandong vineyard project in China. The vineyard uses French planting material and includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Marselan. Its first vintage was released in 2019, representing an expansion of the Lafite-associated winemaking model beyond Bordeaux.
Additional estate red wine
Anseillan
An additional wine associated with Château Lafite, made to express the property’s vineyard character through a separate selection and blending approach. It complements the grand vin and Carruades by providing another channel for communicating the estate’s terroir and winemaking identity.

Controversies

2024
Chinese trademark infringement and unfair-competition dispute
Rothschild entities challenged Chinese companies over the use of Lafite-related Chinese marks and alleged misleading origin information on wine packaging and promotional materials. The Supreme People’s Court reportedly upheld the infringement and unfair-competition findings and compensation of RMB 79.17 million.
Source
2012
Suspected counterfeit Lafite seized in China
Police in Wenzhou seized nearly 10,000 bottles suspected of carrying counterfeit Château Lafite Rothschild labels. Reports also described widespread concerns about imitation Lafite in the Chinese market, although precise estimates of the counterfeit share are uncertain. The exceptional demand and high prices associated with Lafite made the brand a target for counterfeit bottles and fraudulent representations, particularly in Asian markets; the estate responded with authentication technology and legal protection measures.
Source
2012
Counterfeit Lafite bottles and market fraud
The exceptional demand and high prices associated with Lafite made the brand a target for counterfeit bottles and fraudulent representations, particularly in Asian markets. The estate responded with authentication technology and legal protection measures.
Source
1985
Disputed authenticity of a purported 1787 Lafite
A bottle sold as a 1787 Château Lafite and believed at the time to have been associated with Thomas Jefferson achieved an exceptional auction price. The authenticity of the bottle was subsequently challenged, making the episode a prominent example of the risks surrounding rare-wine provenance.
Source

2019Customer engagement and Chinese e-commerce development
China · International
Under new-generation leadership, DBR Lafite emphasized closer communication with final customers, digital commerce and a more approachable presentation of Bordeaux to younger and newer wine drinkers. The program supported a broader modernization of the group’s marketing and hospitality approach without changing Lafite’s luxury positioning.
Outcome. The program supported a broader modernization of the group’s marketing and hospitality approach without changing Lafite’s luxury positioning.
Source
2018Sustainable viticulture trials
France
The estate began experimenting with organic, biodynamic and other sustainable vineyard practices while evaluating their agronomic and oenological effects over several years. Management presented the work as a gradual investigation intended to guide future farming and possible certification decisions.
Outcome. Management presented the work as a gradual investigation intended to guide future farming and possible certification decisions.
Source
2012Prooftag bottle authentication
International · China
Lafite introduced Prooftag authentication measures as counterfeit bottles and unauthorized use of the estate’s identity became a significant risk in global fine-wine markets. The initiative added a verification layer to bottles and supported the estate’s broader anti-counterfeiting and brand-protection efforts.
Outcome. The initiative added a verification layer to bottles and supported the estate’s broader anti-counterfeiting and brand-protection efforts.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Acquire Domaine William FèvreM&A
Background
DBR Lafite sought to extend its family wine platform into a new French region while aligning with producers emphasizing terroir and environmentally conscious viticulture.
Action taken
Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired the Chablis producer Domaine William Fèvre from the Pinault family’s Artémis Domaines for an undisclosed amount.
Aftermath
William Fèvre became the group’s first Burgundy property and its second French winery outside Bordeaux.
Source
2022
Release the 2022 vintage through en primeurProduct launch
Background
The Bordeaux en primeur system requires estates to balance vintage quality, limited production, critic expectations and release-price discipline.
Action taken
Lafite released its 2022 grand vin during the en primeur campaign and positioned it as a high-quality, reduced-volume vintage.
Aftermath
Specialist coverage described strong critical interest and highlighted the estate’s attention to release-price positioning.
Source
2019
Launch of the first Domaine de Long Dai vintageProduct launch
Background
Lafite had established a second vineyard project in Shandong, China, using French vine stocks and varieties suited to the project.
Action taken
The associated Domaine de Long Dai winery released its first vintage.
Aftermath
The release marked the estate's expansion into Chinese wine production while retaining a connection to the Lafite identity and expertise.
Source
2018
Test organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming methodsStrategy
Background
Climate change and environmental expectations created pressure to improve vineyard resilience while protecting the estate’s established wine style.
Action taken
Selected vineyard areas were farmed experimentally according to organic, biodynamic and sustainable principles for multi-year evaluation.
Aftermath
Management indicated that future certification and wider adoption would depend on the results of the trials.
Source
2012
Adopt bottle authentication technologyStrategy
Background
Counterfeiting threatened consumer confidence and the reputation of one of the world’s most valuable fine-wine labels.
Action taken
The estate adopted Prooftag authentication measures for bottles and strengthened its anti-fraud efforts.
Aftermath
Authentication became part of Lafite’s broader brand-protection response in international markets.
Source
1868
Rothschild acquisition of the estateM&A
Background
Lafite had passed through several ownership structures following the French Revolution and nineteenth-century transfers.
Action taken
Baron James Mayer Rothschild purchased the Château Lafite property for 4.4 million francs.
Aftermath
Following his death shortly afterward, the estate became jointly owned by his three sons and adopted the Rothschild name.
Purchase price. 4.4 million francs (1868)
Source

Recent events

2026-08-19
Langjiu and Lafite launch World Estate Alliance[11]郎酒与拉菲正式启动世界酒庄联盟163.com
Reported: 2026-08-20
On the day of the sixth Langjiu Estate Member Festival, Langjiu and top French estate Lafite officially launched an alliance, the third step of Langjiu's World Estate Alliance after Pernod Ricard in 2024 and Penfolds in 2025. Lafite Rothschild's China general manager Anna Song said it was the first time in Lafite's history it has cooperated with a well-known baijiu brand. The two companies also released two co-branded products: Qinghua Lang x Chateau Rieussec sweet white wine and Hongyun Lang x Lafite Rothschild reserve red wine, each limited to 1,000 boxes globally.

Sources11 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/château-lafite-rothschild · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled