The 2006 Château Lafite Rothschild is a refined, classically styled Pauillac made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. It shows restrained aromas of blue fruit, tobacco, rose petals, and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied, with firm tannins, fresh acidity, and a cool, elegant finish. While a bit reserved in youth, its precision and balance reveal the understated sophistication typical of Lafite. Still opening up, this vintage rewards patience and promises long-term aging potential.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: May 30, 2016
Drink: 2018-2045

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London and then blind at Farr Vintners tasting. The 2006 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild offers impressive fruit intensity on the nose, although it does not have the precision of the 2006 Mouton-Rothschild. Red berry fruits intermingle with rose petals and sous-bois scents - very typical Lafite bouquet where less can be more. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a keen line of acidity. It is certainly very well balanced with graphite-tinged black fruit, but whereas Mouton-Rothschild possesses that peacock's tail, Lafite remains linear. Nevertheless, the sophistication really comes through here. It is a Lafite-Rothschild that may spring a few surprises down the line, one of those wines that keeps drawing you back. Understated class. Tasted April 2016. 

JamesSuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Jul 5, 2021

The aromas of blue fruit, iodine, sweet tobacco and lavender follow through nicely to the palate that’s medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and a long, cool finish. Still a little tight, but show great finesse and pedigree. Just starting to open now. 

Decanter | D 93
Published: Mar 1, 2022
Drink: 2022-2042

This seems a bit foursquare to me: somewhat stolid, without the brilliancy to the fruit or the generosity that one hopes for from Lafite. The texture is surprisingly tannic and somewhat reserved. It shows the breed and style of the house without the excitement of the better vintages. Let’s hope it opens up with time. A challenging year, with a cool growing season following a warm spring and rain in September. 42% of the harvest went into the grand vin. The final blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17.5
Published: May 5, 2016
Drink: 2019-2035

Tasted blind. Very rich and lively and gamey. Thick and solid. Set for the long term. Tough tannins on the end but admirably fresh.

lafite.com

2006 vintage
Winter was colder and wetter than the previous vintages. This was followed by a rather warm spring and July that led to early veraison and good ripening. August was then colder but September was sunny, except for the stormy episode mid-September that sped up the harvest more rapidly than expected but in good conditions.
Harvest took place from 16 September to 3 October.

Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.

Terroir
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is located to the north of the appellation, bordering Saint-Estèphe. The vineyard consists of three main areas : the hillsides around the Château, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west, and 4.5 hectares in Saint Estèphe appellation. The vineyard covers 112 hectares with soil made up of fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. It is well-drained and benefits from optimal sun exposure.

Winemaking
In order to reveal the magic of Lafite’s terroir, every step of the wine elaboration is carried out with the greatest precision. Depending of their provenance and level of ripeness, grapes will be transferred into either wooden, stainless steel or concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted at controlled temperature, with regular pumping over to gently release all the phenolic compounds in the grapes. Each vat is carefully monitored and tasted daily in order to determine the best racking time. The maceration period variesfor each tank but is around 22 days in total.
After malolactic fermentation wines are transferred into French oak barrels. Lafite has its own cooperage in Pauillac, la Tonnellerie des Domaines, which contributes to its unique style. The selection for the grand vin is made in March, once the wines have settled and start revealing their full potential. Every barrel is tasted individually and only the best ones are set aside for the final blend.

Grapes
82 % Cabernet sauvignon
16 % Merlot
2 % Cabernet franc

Tasting
Very dark and beautiful colour. Discreet nose with primary notes that develop in ampleness and density. Quite powerful on the palate with a very good structure and nice tannic finish with integrated woody tones.