Lafite '16 Vintage Approaches Record Price on Liv-ex

By Guy Collins The 2016 vintage of Chateau Lafite Rothschild traded at 6,240 pounds ($8,296) per 12-bottle case in bond on the London-based Liv-ex wine market during the week ended Nov. 5, its second-highest level on the secondary market since release and the highest for the past two years, according to the Liv-ex Talking Trade blog. It was the top-traded wine of the first week of November on the exchange, Liv-ex said. The blend for Lafite's 2016 vintage was 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with the estate's website saying grapes were able to reach ``exceptional levels of maturity'' following a cool June and then a hot, very dry summer.

Vineyards at Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac. Photo: Guy Collins