The 2024 vintage of Lafite Rothschild and its second wine, Carruades de Lafite, has arrived, showcasing the enduring finesse of one of Bordeaux’s premier estates despite a challenging growing season. Lafite Rothschild 2024, released at €288 ex-negociant, marks a notable return to the pricing levels of 2013 and 2014, down 27.3% from 2023’s €396. Carruades de Lafite 2024, priced at €120 ex-negociant, reflects a 17.24% decrease from last year’s €145, aligning closely with its 2015 price. These releases, set against the backdrop of a climatically tricky 2024 in Bordeaux, highlight Château Lafite Rothschild’s ability to maintain quality through meticulous craftsmanship.
Lafite Rothschild 2024, a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, was harvested from September 23 to October 7. Technical Director Eric Kohler employed a short vinification of less than three weeks with gentle extraction, incorporating 16% press wine. Critics have praised its precision and elegance. Neal Martin of Vinous, awarding 95-97 points, describes it as “statesmanlike,” with crushed stone, black olive, and marine notes, predicting a drinking window of 2032 to 2058. Antonio Galloni, also of Vinous, gives 94-96 points, noting its “sensual, elegant” character with black cherry and espresso, forecasting it as a top Médoc wine for 2034 to 2064. Jane Anson scores it 95 points, highlighting its “effortless elegance” with graphite and cassis bud, suitable for drinking from 2032. Wine Advocate’s William Kelley (91-94 points) likens it to the 1970s style, with minty blackcurrants and powdery tannins.
Carruades de Lafite 2024, unusually led by 47% Merlot over 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, offers a softer, more approachable profile. Harvested alongside the grand vin, it represents 47% of the estate’s yield. Antonio Galloni (91-93 points) calls it “plush, sensual, and inviting,” with plum and baking spice, ideal for 2029 to 2044. Neal Martin (90-92 points) praises its “purity and tension,” with black cherry and cassis, drinkable from 2029 to 2047. Jane Anson’s 92 points emphasize its “juicy, mouthwatering” nature, though with a shorter finish, ready from 2029. Wine Advocate (89-91 points) notes dark berries and tobacco leaf in a lively, open-knit frame.
The ex-negociant pricing of both wines reflects a strategic adjustment to the 2024 vintage’s challenges, where yields averaged 32hl/h, slightly above the Pauillac norm. Lafite Rothschild’s €288 is a low point compared to the €790 peak in 2010 or €580 in 2022, the latter notably higher than its market price of €560. Carruades’ €120 mirrors its 2015 level, contrasting with €180 in 2022 or €108 in 2010, underscoring its consistent affordability as a second wine. These prices signal a cautious market approach while preserving the estate’s allure.
Both wines exemplify Lafite’s technical prowess in a difficult year. Lafite Rothschild 2024 upholds the estate’s legacy of refined, cerebral wines, while Carruades de Lafite 2024 offers a Merlot-driven charm with early-drinking appeal. Together, they provide a compelling snapshot of Château Lafite Rothschild’s enduring quality and adaptability in 2024.
