DBR Lafite Collection Set 2023

This is a single collection set of four major names from the DBR Lafite portfolio:

• • • • Château Duhart-Milon (1 bottle)
      • Château L'Evangile (1 bottle)
      • Carruades de Lafite (1 bottle)
      • Château Lafite Rothschild (1 bottle)

When Baron James de Rothschild acquired Lafite in 1868, the château, its terroir, and its wines were already storied. First noted as a wine producer in the 13th century, the château earned Premier Grand Cru Classé status in 1855.

Château Lafite Rothschild wines possess excellence that transcends beyond their pedigree. The strength of these wines lies in their versatility. They are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world and command some of the highest prices of any wine in the world. The estate produces several different wines, including the flagship Château Lafite Rothschild and Carruades de Lafite, a second label that has developed its own following.

Château Duhart-Milon is the only Fourth Growth property in the Pauillac appellation. It is an estate that lovers of the First Growth, Château Lafite Rothschild, should know. Not only is it a mere 7-minute drive away from Château Lafite Rothschild, but the two are considered sister properties with the same winemaking team.  Like Lafite, the estate is owned by Domains de Barons de Rothschild.  Château Duhart-Milon is home to some truly phenomenal terroir of gravel, limestone, and clay. When asked why he purchased the property, the Baron put it plainly: “It would have been nonsense not to acquire such a great neighboring vineyard.”

Château L’Évangile was one of the first vineyards to be planted in Pomerol.  It was founded by the Léglise family from Libourne in 1741.  The property’s name at the time was Domaine de Fazilleau.  Right around the turn of the 19th Century, the property was purchased by a lawyer who named the estate L’Évangile. Eventually Château L’Évangile would be acquired by the prestigious Ducasse family, who were the owners of the estate until 1990.  That year, 70 percent of the stake was sold to Lafite Rothschild.  Funnily enough, the Rothschilds wanted to make some changes at the estate – like adding new oak barrels.  Madame Ducasse, the owner of the remaining 30 percent of shares, was reluctant to this decision as new oak barrels are very expensive.  She turned a blind eye, however, when the Rothschilds began sneaking new oak barrels into the barrel room late at night without presenting her with the bill.  Eventually in 2004, Domaine Barons de Rothschild paid for an extensive renovation of the cellars which finished just before the legendary 2005 vintage.

Château Duhart-Milon 2023 - ''A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon (picked late, between September 25 and October 3) and 20% Merlot, the 2023 Duhart-Milon has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, cherries and dark berries mingled with hints of mint, cedar and spice box. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with an ample core of cool but ripe fruit, sweet tannins, and a long, penetrating finish.'  - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (04/26/2024) Ratings: (92-94) 

Château L'Evangile 2023 - "The 2023 L'Évangile was picked from September 4 to 28 at 42hL/ha, which is the highest for many years. Matured in 50% new oak (including 15 foudres) and 8% in amphoras (my sample only from used barrels), this has a very floral and precise bouquet with dark red fruit, blueberry, hints of blood orange and light sous-bois scents. It's very L'Evangile. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Crisp and precise, there’s fine tension toward the finish with a lingering black pepper note. This is a lovely L'Évangile that deserves five or six years in bottle. It will be worth the wait." Neal Martin, Vinous, Ratings: 94-96

Carruades de Lafite 2023 - ''Medium intensity ruby, fairly austere right now, structured, with the same mint leaf and ink quality as Lafite. The sweet brambled black fruits only come in through the mid palate, this is well paced, unrolls slowly, a serious and concentrated Carruades that has its eye on the future. 12% pres wine, harvest September 7 to 29, unusually only using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.'' Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur (04/15/2024) Ratings: 94 Drink: 2029-2044

Château Lafite Rothschild 2023 - "A brilliant wine that shares some similarities with the formidable 1996, the 2021 Lafite Rothschild wafts from the glass with inviting aromas of dark berries, cigar box, loamy soil, black truffle and violets. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with beautifully powdery tannins, lively acids and a long, saline finish. Of course, this isn't as dramatic as the 2020 or 2019 out of the gates, but the 2021 is a brilliant success in its own right. What's more, its structure and balance mean that it is likely to prove almost immortal. It's a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, which is one of the all-time highest percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon chez Lafite." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (4/29/2022) Rating: 95-97