CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2nd wine of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 2002 Bottle (losc)
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Pauillac | 75cl
WAS £219.95
Now £159.95
ABV: 12.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pauillac
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Description
IN BRIEF
The Carruades de Lafite 2002, the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of this prestigious estate. Composed primarily of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, along with 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, this vintage reflects the distinctive terroir of Château Lafite, contributing to its complexity and depth. With an average vine age of 40 years, the grapes benefit from established roots, enhancing richness and concentration. On the nose, expect aromas of dark fruits, blackcurrant, and blackberry, complemented by hints of cedar and chocolate. Rated 87 points by The Wine Advocate, this medium-bodied wine offers a harmonious balance of refined tannins and acidity, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, game, and hearty stews.
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Carruades de Lafite 2002, the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, exemplifies the remarkable quality and craftsmanship that the estate is known for. Predominantly composed of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage showcases the distinctive terroir of Château Lafite, contributing to the wine’s complexity and depth. The blend also includes 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, allowing for a well-rounded expression of the vineyard's character.
With an average vine age of 40 years, the grapes benefit from the established roots and mature vines, which contribute to the overall richness and concentration of the wine. The 2002 vintage is celebrated for its ability to balance fruit expression with structural integrity, showcasing the grace and elegance that one expects from a Lafite wine.
On the nose, Carruades de Lafite 2002 typically offers alluring aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented by hints of cedar, chocolate, and a subtle earthiness. This aromatic profile sets the stage for a delightful tasting experience.
On the palate, the wine presents a medium to full body, characterised by refined tannins and a harmonious acidity that provides freshness. Flavours of ripe fruit are interlaced with notes of spice and oak, creating a complex and layered profile. The integration of its components leads to a smooth, lingering finish, making it an enjoyable wine both in its youth and with a few years of age.
The Carruades de Lafite 2002 is an excellent choice for food pairings, complementing rich dishes such as roasted meats, game, or hearty stews, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In summary, Carruades de Lafite 2002 is a superb second wine that reflects the prestige of Château Lafite Rothschild while offering a more accessible option for wine enthusiasts. Its elegance, depth, and complexity make it a desirable addition to any fine wine collection.
THE WINE ADVOCATE 87 points
Drink 2005 - 2015
Similar to its bigger sibling, but leaner and not nearly as concentrated, as one might expect being a second wine, the 2002 Carruades reveals the Lafite fragrance of lead pencil shavings intermixed with red and black currants, plums, and a hint of cherries. Medium-bodied, with tart acidity, this is a wine to drink over the next decade.
JANCIS ROBINSON 16 points
Drink 2005 - 2010
Very deep crimson and lots of acidity. Great suppleness (good) but a bit hollow (bad). The least impressive of the top-growth second wines. I suspect acidity will always plague this blend of 51 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 46 per cent Merlot which represents almost a third of the total crop at Lafite.
VINOUS 85-88 points
Bright medium ruby. Cool aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violet, bitter chocolate and shoe polish, with a faint weedy nuance. Juicy, firm-edged and slightly medicinal; not pliant but showing good intensity. A somewhat hard, austere wine whose green-edged flavors currently clash with its firm tannins. But there's decent underlying density here. - Stephen Tanzer (2003)
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ABOUT CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD
Château Lafite Rothschild, one of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux, France, is celebrated for its exceptional wines and rich heritage. Established in the 17th century, it holds the esteemed classification of Premier Cru Classé (First Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, reflecting its long-standing reputation for quality and excellence.
Located in the Pauillac appellation, Château Lafite Rothschild spans approximately 100 hectares of vineyards, predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate benefits from a unique terroir characterized by gravel, clay, and limestone soils, combined with the region's maritime climate, providing ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The meticulous vineyard management emphasizes sustainability, ensuring the health of the vines and the quality of the grapes.
The winemaking process at Château Lafite Rothschild is marked by precision and a commitment to tradition. Grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring selective picking of only the finest fruit. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel and oak vats, allowing for careful monitoring of extraction and flavor development. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, typically for 18 to 24 months, resulting in a harmonious integration of oak characteristics.
Château Lafite Rothschild wines are renowned for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. With layers of dark fruit, refined tannins, and a distinctive minerality, they are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Iconic vintages, such as those from 2000, 2005, and 2010, are particularly celebrated for their exceptional quality and longevity.
Under the stewardship of the Rothschild family, Château Lafite Rothschild continues to blend tradition with innovation, producing remarkable wines that embody the spirit of Bordeaux. It stands as a symbol of the artistry and heritage of fine winemaking in France.
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.
