Following the economic crisis that affected Bordeaux between 1973 and 1976, two gorgeous vintages were produced in 1975 and 1976 when Baron Eric de Rothschild, nephew of Baron Elie, took over management of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
With the arrival Baron Eric, new energy stimulated the estate. Baron Eric was personally involved in the quest for excellence and gradually added a new technical team. Replanting and restoration work in the vineyard was accompanied by new soil improvement techniques and integrated pest management. In the cellars, stainless steel tanks were added to the oak tanks. Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill designed a revolutionary round ageing cellar. The stunning new cellar, hailed for its innovation and stark beauty, holds 2200 barrels. Baron Eric added to the Domaines’ assets with new acquisitions in France and abroad. The dazzling vintages in the 1980’s and 1990’s, in particular 1982, 1986, the three-year span of the outstanding 1988, 1989 and 1990 vintages, then 1995 and 1996, were acknowledged by soaring market prices.
The year 2000 was the start of another excellent decade for the wine. Exceptional vintages were produced one after the other between 2000 and 2010, due partly to the highly conducive dry weather during the growing season. The 2000, scorchingly hot 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010, will all reveal their splendor with time! The transition to the 21st century was full of serenity given all the promise slowly maturing in the cellars. Quiet, deeply-rooted optimism reigns, based on the unrelenting quest for excellence that has always been part of the history at Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
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