Anseillan - Pauillac 2020

It is uncommon to see a new expression of the Lafite terroir, which is what makes Anseillan all the more special. It is not a new wine, as Anseillan has always been an integral part of Château Lafite Rothschild. It is a blend that showcases meticulously selected vineyard plots, borne of many years of intense scrutiny, research, and trials at the hands of Château Lafite’s technical teams. Cooler and later-ripening because of its northern exposure, the hamlet of Anseillan has more clay-based soils than Lafite’s classic terroirs. This diversity and unique terroir give Anseillan a distinctive style and excellent complexity. First introduced in 2022 with the 2018 vintage, Anseillan is more merlotdominant than the Grand Vin and is made according to the traditional Bordeaux method

Anseillan is made according to the traditional Bordeaux method. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted in wooden, concrete and stainless steel vats. Gentle pumping-over helps to ensure a soft extraction. Total maceration time lasts for about 20 days. After malolactic fermentation, wines are transfered into French oak barrels made by the Tonnelleries des Domaines in Pauillac for about 16 months.

The village of Anseillan lies to the east of Lafite Rothschild, between the Château and the Gironde. This particularly interesting diversity offers plots that are suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This gives Anseillan a unique style and excellent complexity. 

Rich, intense and expressive nose, ripe and fresh notes. On the palate, the wine continues along the same lines: its attack is dense while remaining lively, it is powerful while being light. Already melted, the tannins are present and stretch the palate with length.

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Ripe tones on the nose; bramble fruit with perfumed scents - gorgeous rose scents appear after a few minutes, expanding and becoming more expressive. Juicy and succulent, vibrant and thrilling on the palate, there's a sense of energy here, a liveliness straight away with high acidity and a saline, slate mineral edge to the blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. Lovely clarity and purity with textured tannins that are well integrated but give the taut and refined frame. Great focus and complexity, less textured in terms of tannins compared with 2019 but this is wide and expansive, suggesting plenty of ageing potential." - 94 Points, Decanter

Producer: Anseillan

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Pauillac

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml