The passion for wine that runs in the French branch of the Rothschild family was born in 1868 when James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite. After more than a century of family history tied to the world of wine, Baron Edmond de Rothschild (great-grandson of James) took the adventure further in 1973 by acquiring two Cru Bourgeois wines in Listrac and Moulis-en-Médoc: Château Clarke and Château Malmaison. He then founded the Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmond de Rothschild, and has taken the business worldwide.

The winter was exceptionally wet and wild. Temperatures were unseasonably balmy and dry until the end of December. January and February were also clement but accompanied by significant precipitation. In fact, it rained nearly every day during those months. There was 193% more in January and 108% more in February at the estate compared to the 15-year average. Spring was cool and wet, but frost free. Flowering was even and took place the first 10 days of June. This was followed by a very hot and dry summer. 2016 has all the hallmarks of an outstanding vintage because yields were generous and quality of fruit was superlative.