CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2nd wine of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 2000 Bottle
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Pauillac | 75cl
£199.95 / £1,199.70 case
ABV: 12.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pauillac
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Description
The 2000 Carruades de Lafite is a brilliant second wine that exemplifies the elegance of its esteemed brother, Château Lafite Rothschild. Composed of 51.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.3% Merlot, 4.9% Cabernet Franc, and 1.4% Petit Verdot, this wine is aged in 10-15% new French oak, leading to an enticing bouquet of sweet lead pencil shavings, black cherry, and cassis. Awarded 90 points by The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker noted its tremendous purity and medium body, making it a gorgeous wine to enjoy now through 2018. VinoUS rated it 89 points, appreciating its aromatic complexity and tightly wound structure. However, Jancis Robinson gave it 16 points, expressing concern over its austere character. While the Carruades exhibits refined tannins and excellent balance, its potential may not fully bloom with age.
*****
THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 points
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Drink Date: 2003 - 2018
A brilliant second wine, the 2000 Carruades de Lafite (51.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.3% Merlot, 4.9% Cabernet Franc, and 1.4% Petit Verdot), aged in 10-15% new French oak, shows wonderfully sweet lead pencil shavings intermixed with an elegant black cherry and cassis nose. A wine of tremendous purity, medium body, and the tell-tale Lafite elegance, this is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next 12-15 years. - Published: Apr 23, 2003
VINOUS 89-89 points
Bright ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of cassis, violet, bitter chocolate and licorice. Tightly wound, intensely flavored and on the lean side, with extremely primary flavors of cassis and dark chocolate. Not showing its flesh today, but this has good underlying density and pliancy. Finishes with toothdusting, fine tannins. - Stephen Tanzer - May 2001
JANCIS ROBINSON 16 points
I fear this may always be a little skinny and austere. It has not mellowed substantially over time and is still a little too tough and tart for its fruit weight. It won't fall off a cliff but I'm not sure it's worth waiting too long for. (JR)
A Deeper Dive;
Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite Rothschild's vineyard spans an impressive 112 hectares, featuring three main sections: the slopes around the Château, the Carruades plateau to the west, and a 4.5-hectare area located in the neighbouring township of Saint-Estèphe.
The soil composition is notable, comprising fine, deep gravel blended with windblown sand, situated atop well-drained and well-exposed tertiary limestone subsoil. The vineyard produces an array of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. For the Grand Vin, only grapes from vines that are older than 10 years are selected, ensuring a high-quality output. Each vintage tells its own story, typically featuring a dominant portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot and a hint of Petit Verdot.
After blending, the wine undergoes aging in new oak barrels for 15 months. Each barrel is tasted individually to guarantee that only the best choices are made for the final blend. Fermentation also plays a crucial role, occurring over a controlled period of 15 days at a temperature of 26°-27°C, allowing the wine to develop its unique character.