"In its garnet-red case, the wine reveals a complex, elegant nose with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry and graphite. A touch of wood adds complexity after a few minutes' aeration. On the palate, the attack is straightforward, frank and fresh. The mid-palate is precise and concentrated, with aromas of black fruit and chocolate. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a rather silky texture. The beautifully pure finish expresses long, fruity notes." - Marie, Oenologist Premium Grands Crus
Cape Horn or Lafite 2024
If there's one captain who has never given up hope, it's Eric. At the helm of Lafite, he begins the crossing of what promises to be a difficult vintage. With his crew of solid sea wolves Pauillacais, they've crossed many capes, but never the Horn, and never from East to West!
From April to the end of June, there were weeks of fighting against mildew and the raging elements, hundreds of tacks that didn't go through, retreats to windward, refuges and returns to sea... until the entry into the Pacific on June 25. Here, everything changes, with days of gentle, temperate breezes. The vines heal their wounds, the crew recharge their batteries and the wounds are quickly forgotten.
By the end of August, the ripening process was well under way, and we were tasting berries selected from the vines on the Lafite plateau. They are full of flavor and life, the result of a perfect summer after all those storms.
The harvest begins on September 23 with our best Merlot grapes from Pointon and Gravette, and from now on we'll go ahead, whatever the cost, between the drops. Our best Cabernet grapes are harvested at the beginning of October, and we have everything in on the 7th.
Short vinifications, gentle Extractions, selected pressings, Olivier's team now navigates the cellar with elegance and precision.
What a past cape!
