Château Lafite: The Almanac
Written by Saskia de Rothschild, Foreword by Baron Éric de Rothschild
Flammarion, Pages: 620, $175
ISBN: 978-2-08-020420-2
This book was published to celebrate 150 years of Rothschild’s ownership of Château Lafite. It is the brainchild of Saskia de Rothschild, the youngest person leading a first-growth Bordeaux Estate.
While this book or Almanac is printed commercially, it is covered in cloth and has a handmade feel. The devil is the details, and this Almanac has everything meticulously documented down to the well-practiced rituals of pruning and harvesting grapes, vintages, notes about the weather conditions that influenced the vintage year. As you shift through the pages, you will come across nostalgic postcards that include vintage portraits and pairing menus from their day. If you pay attention to the annual notes about growing conditions, you will understand the fragility of grape growing. Conditions range from fantastic to dreadful, depending on the year.
The Rothschild’s have weathered many a storm, the great depression, and even two world wars. During World War II, Nazi occupation and ransacking of old vintages dealt them a significant blow in their cellars.
This book contains thousands of historic photos, documents, and charts documenting the estate’s rich history. It is the unique ideal gift for any serious wine enthusiast, student, sommelier, or devotee of French Wine. It will be proudly displayed and cherished for years to come. Consider its cost ($175) compared to a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2015 (RP 96) at $899. It is a great value!
