CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD

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1 LES DOMAINES BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD (LAFITE) Château Lafite Rothschild is one of only four classified first growths and thus the designation as 1st er Cru. The vintage rankings of the Universal Paris Exposition in 1855 officially gave Lafite the rating as "Leader among fine wines". The first known reference to Lafite dates to 1234 with Gombaud de Lafite and Lafite's mention as a medieval fief dates to the 14th century. Baron James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite in 1868 and has remained under Rothschild family ownership since. Through the years, Château Lafite sustained natural disasters, wars and crises. After World War II, the Barons de Rothschild recovered possession of Château Lafite Rothschild and revitalized the estate's business. Baron Elie led a program to restore the vineyards and buildings while fully restructuring the property's administration. Baron Eric de Rothschild, nephew of Baron Elie, currently manages the estate and Rothschild properties around the world. Baron Eric's management of the estate has made forward strides through research and the gradual addition of a new technical team. The vineyards have been replanted and restored, while the use of fertilizers and herbicides have been reevaluated. In the chais, a stainless steel tank complex alongside oak tanks, and a new circular aging chai were constructed under the supervision of Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill. The new chai design style was acclaimed for its innovative character and uncompromising spirit and can hold 2,200 barrels. The estate encompasses 178 hectares, 103 hectares being vineyards planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (71%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). The vineyard features three major areas: the hillsides around the Chateau, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west and 4.5 hectares in neighboring Saint Estephe. The average age of the grapevines is 30 years old, over all, however, vines younger than 10 years old (representing 20 hectares) are not used in the Grand Vin. This means the average age of the vines used in the Grand Vin (Château Lafite Rothschild) average 40 years. Also noteworthy is; 18 hectares of vineyards are more than 50 years old. The oldest plot, called "La Gravière", is 115 years old, it was planted in 1886 and two other plots are also over 80 years old. Château Lafite Rothschild (1st Cru Classe en 1855) Carruades de Lafite Pasternak Wine Imports. (800)

2 LES DOMAINES BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD (LAFITE) Pauillac, France Château Lafite Rothschild 2006 THE VINEYARD The vineyard divides itself into three separate areas: the hilly area near the "Château", the Plateau of the Carruades and approximately three hectares on the "commune" of Saint Estèphe. The soil is gravely, well drained and planted with the three classical cépages of the Médoc: Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (20%). HARVEST & AGEING 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 the 16th of September to the 3rd of October. The natural balance won out and when the wines were tasted at the end of the malolactic fermentation, they were healthy and well balanced. The ageing process lasted 20 months in new oak barrels. WINEMAKER S NOTES Very dark and beautiful color. 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. Controlled Appellation: Pauillac Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 82%, Merlot 16%, Petit Verdot 2% Yield: 43hl/ha Bottling: May 2008 Alcoholic degree: 12.5 % Total acidity: 3.63 g/l Production : approximately 23,700 cases Pasternak Wine Imports. (800)

3 LES DOMAINES BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD (LAFITE) Pauillac, France Carruades de Lafite 2006 THE VINEYARD Given the refined selection of fine wines after two decades, the Carruades feature characteristics similar to those of the fine wine, but with their own personality linked to a higher percentage of Merlot in its composition, and plots of land that are clearly identified as producing Carruades. The origin of the name comes from the Carruades plateau, the name of a group of plots adjacent to the chateau s best vineyards, purchased in 1845 by Château Lafite. In the 20th century, the Carruades were marketed separately from Château Lafite before being integrated. The name Carruades adopted as the name of Château Lafite Rothschild s second wine, which was initially called Moulin des Carruades before 1980 s. HARVEST & AGEING After a cold wet winter came a fine spring and nice summer that led to early veraison and good ripening. However, the rain in mid-september disturbed the harvests. The harvest took place from the 16th of September to the 3rd of October in rather difficult conditions. Alcohol and malolactic fermentation both took place in wooden and stainless steel vats with temperature control. Maceration lasted days, and the ageing process was followed out for 18 months in barrels (10% of which new) WINEMAKER S NOTES Beautiful deep colored hue. Nice fruity nose. Powerful on the palate, round and a very good tannic finish (before fining). Well balanced woody notes. Controlled Appellation: Pauillac Grape Varietal: Merlot 48 %, Cabernet Sauvignon 48 %, Cabernet Franc 2.5%, Petit Verdot 1.5 % Yield: 49 hl/ha Alcoholic: % Total acidity : 3.48 g/l Bottling: May 2008 Production : approximately 27,600 cases Pasternak Wine Imports. (800)

4 2006 As seen in pts Racy and long, with beautiful blackberry and light coffee character and a licorice undertone. Full and racy, with a long, long finish. Structured and powerful, yet builds on the palate. Close to James Suckling - March 29, 2007 Pasternak Wine Imports. (800)

5 2006 As seen in pts. Lafite s Merlot harvest occurred between September 15-22, and the Cabernet Sauvignon from September 27 until the end of the first week of October. Only 42% of the production made it into the grand vin (a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot). The 2006 is a tannic, restrained effort that brings to mind the A deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of graphite, créme de cassis, spice and subtle wood. Medium-bodied and richly fruity with decent acidity and a long finish, it will require 8-10 years of cellaring, and should keep for 4-5 decades. Issue April 30, 2007 Pasternak Wine Imports. (800)

6 CARRUADES DE LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2006 As seen in pts Bright ruby-red. Fruit driven aromas of currant and cherry lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and firm on the palate, with complex flavors of currant, minerals, flowers, dark chocolate and currant leaf. The wine s acid spine and slight greenness give it a very fresh, vibrant character and contribute to the impression of structure. Finishes firmly tannic, with moderate persistence. Issue May/June 2007 Pasternak Wine Imports. (800)