Anseillan du Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2019
(Bordeaux, France) - [DM 93]

The village of Anseillan lies to the east of Lafite Rothschild, between the Château and the Gironde. This area presents a wide variety of terroirs which are the subject of much thought and research. Cooler and later because of their northern exposure, they are also more clayey than Lafite’s classic terroirs. This particularly interesting diversity offers plots that are suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This terroir and the teams’ work gives Anseillan a unique style and excellent complexity.

On the eve of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the acquisition of Château Lafite by the Rothschild family, the teams faced major challenges due to the capricious weather conditions. From December to July, unremitting rain increased the risk of mildew and hail. The summer really started in mid-July with very high, sometimes extreme heat, which helped to restore the vines’ health and set the path for a great vintage. New measures were taken to improve the selection of the batches in the Carruades vineyard for the 2018 vintage. Every possible effort was made to achieve greater precision and potential in the final blend.

Deep and dark in color, almost black. Nice brightness. Before aeration, the nose is already intense, a sign of the start of opening. After aeration, it becomes even more expressive with notes of cherries. Smoky notes of the barrel ageing can be distinguished, then spices from the Petit Verdot. Well-balanced on the palate, with lots of volume thanks to the Merlot, and a great structure and freshness brought by the Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives the length that is characteristic of Pauillac.