What is the history of Davidoff Château Lafite cigars and when were they discontinued?

The Davidoff Château Lafite (Rothschild) was produced during Davidoff's Cuban era from 1971 to 1989, when Zino Davidoff partnered with Cubatabaco. Named after the Bordeaux wine estate, this 4.9" x 50 robusto was part of the Château series that paid homage to French vineyards. Production ceased in 1989 when Davidoff ended its Cuban operations and relocated to the Dominican Republic. The Château line was briefly revived as a Dominican-made cigar in the 1990s, but the original Cuban version remains highly sought after at auction, with boxes commanding significant premiums among collectors.

What are the dimensions and smoking time of a Davidoff Château Lafite Rothschild?

The Davidoff Château Lafite (Rothschild) measures 4.9 inches (124mm) in length with a 50 ring gauge, classifying it as a robusto format. This vitola typically delivers a smoking duration of 45-60 minutes, depending on draw pace. The 50-ring gauge provides substantial smoke output while the relatively compact length concentrates the flavor development. These specifications were consistent throughout its Cuban production period and distinguished it from other Château series vitolas like the Margaux (petit corona) and Haut-Brion (corona gorda).

How does the Davidoff Château Lafite compare to other Cuban Davidoff cigars from the same era?

The Château Lafite occupied a middle position in Davidoff's Cuban portfolio, offering more body than the lighter Château Margaux but less intensity than the Château Mouton-Rothschild. It shared the brand's characteristic Dominican-seed wrapper grown in Cuba, delivering notes of cedar, toasted nuts, and subtle earth with a refined, medium-bodied profile. Unlike the Grand Cru series, which used exclusively upper-leaf primings, the Château line incorporated more diverse tobacco grades. Collectors often compare it favorably to the Davidoff 5000, noting similar elegance but with slightly more complexity from its wine-barrel aging concept.

What is the history of Davidoff Château Lafite cigars and when were they discontinued?

The Davidoff Château Lafite (Rothschild) was produced during Davidoff's Cuban era from 1971 to 1989, when Zino Davidoff partnered with Cubatabaco. Named after the Bordeaux wine estate, this 4.9" x 50 robusto was part of the Château series that paid homage to French vineyards. Production ceased in 1989 when Davidoff ended its Cuban operations and relocated to the Dominican Republic. The Château line was briefly revived as a Dominican-made cigar in the 1990s, but the original Cuban version remains highly sought after at auction, with boxes commanding significant premiums among collectors.

What are the dimensions and smoking time of a Davidoff Château Lafite Rothschild?

The Davidoff Château Lafite (Rothschild) measures 4.9 inches (124mm) in length with a 50 ring gauge, classifying it as a robusto format. This vitola typically delivers a smoking duration of 45-60 minutes, depending on draw pace. The 50-ring gauge provides substantial smoke output while the relatively compact length concentrates the flavor development. These specifications were consistent throughout its Cuban production period and distinguished it from other Château series vitolas like the Margaux (petit corona) and Haut-Brion (corona gorda).

How does the Davidoff Château Lafite compare to other Cuban Davidoff cigars from the same era?

The Château Lafite occupied a middle position in Davidoff's Cuban portfolio, offering more body than the lighter Château Margaux but less intensity than the Château Mouton-Rothschild. It shared the brand's characteristic Dominican-seed wrapper grown in Cuba, delivering notes of cedar, toasted nuts, and subtle earth with a refined, medium-bodied profile. Unlike the Grand Cru series, which used exclusively upper-leaf primings, the Château line incorporated more diverse tobacco grades. Collectors often compare it favorably to the Davidoff 5000, noting similar elegance but with slightly more complexity from its wine-barrel aging concept.

Cigar Information

Davidoff Château Lafite (Rothschild)

The Davidoff Château Lafite (Rothschild) stands as one of the most intriguing entries in the storied history of Cuban-made Davidoff cigars. Produced during the brand's legendary partnership with Cubatabaco, this vitola was part of the prestigious Château series that paid homage to some of France's most celebrated wine estates. The cigar was crafted for discerning enthusiasts who appreciated the intersection of fine wine culture and premium tobacco craftsmanship.

History and Background

Released in 1969, the Château Lafite (Rothschild) entered the market during what many consider the golden age of Cuban cigar production. The cigar remained in production for two decades before being discontinued in 1989, coinciding with the broader transition of Davidoff production from Cuba to the Dominican Republic.

In 1983, the cigar underwent a subtle branding adjustment, with its name officially changed to "Château Lafite Rothschild." This refinement brought the nomenclature in line with the full name of the legendary Bordeaux wine estate that inspired it.

Specifications

Factory Name	Franciscanos
Ring Gauge	40
Length	116 mm (4⅝″)
Official Weight	6.72 g
Construction	Handmade

Bands and Presentation

Early production of the Château Lafite (Rothschild) featured no bands whatsoever, a characteristic shared by several Davidoff releases from this era. Around 1980, the cigar adopted Davidoff's standard band A, bringing visual consistency to the brand's expanding portfolio.

Packaging Options

The Château Lafite (Rothschild) was offered in multiple presentation formats to suit different purchasing preferences:

Cardboard pack of 5 cigars
Slide lid box of 25 cigars
Slide lid box of 50 cigars

Collectibility and Legacy

As a Cuban-made Davidoff from the Château series, the Château Lafite (Rothschild) has become a highly sought-after collector's item. With production spanning from 1969 to 1989, surviving examples represent a tangible connection to one of the most celebrated eras in luxury cigar history. The Château series itself remains emblematic of Zino Davidoff's vision of positioning cigars alongside the world's finest wines and luxury goods.

Questions & Answers

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