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The quality of Château Lafite Rothschild needs no introduction. As early as 1815, Abraham Lawton had already designated it as leader: “I ranked it as being the most elegant and delicate, with the finest body of the three (leading wines)” he qualified in 1855. Situated in the great wine-producing village of Pauillac in the Médoc region, north-west of Bordeaux, the estate has been occupied since at least the 14th century. Only four wine-producing Châteaux of Bordeaux achieved First Growth status in the 1855 Classification, which was based on recent prices. Of those, the first one in the list is Château Lafite Rothschild, a consistent producer of one of the world's most expensive red wines. A bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite is still the world's most expensive bottle of wine. The wine from Chateau Lafite is marked by a dark ruby color, ripe blackcurrants, almonds, violets and vanilla, spicy, oaky scents. The wine has great finesse and a particular softness imparted by the Merlot. It tends to be firm yet delicate and supple, great elegance develops with age.   Depending on the success of the vintage, the blend can vary greatly. In 1994, Cabernet Sauvignon comprised 99% of the blend, although it is usually Cabernet Sauvignon (80 to 95%), Merlot (5 to 20%), Cabernet franc and Petit Verdot (0 to 3%). In addition to the first growth, around a third of the wine is released as a second wine under the label Carruades de Lafite.   Appellation: Pauillac Areas under Vine: 222 acres Average Annual Production: 15,000 cases per annum Soil: Soils with deep fine gravel mixed with aeolien sands on a bedrock of tertiary limestone. They are well drained and well exposed to the sun. Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5%) Ageing: 18 to 20 months, including 100% new barrels Top Vintages: 1953, 1959, 1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005