CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2nd wine of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 2010 Bottle (losn)

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2010 Carruades de Lafite is an outstanding second wine from the prestigious Château Lafite Rothschild, exemplifying exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This vintage has garnered high praise from critics, including 95-96 points from James Suckling, who noted its captivating aromas of smoke, blackcurrants, and blackberries, enhanced by hints of spice and orange peel. The Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, highlighting its elegance with familiar lead pencil and charcoal notes, while Vinous rated it 89 points, appreciating the generous bouquet of red berry fruit and soft tannins. In the glass, it displays a deep colour and complex aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a harmonious balance of fruitiness and refreshing acidity, making it a remarkable choice for collectors and wine enthusiasts.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2010 Carruades de Lafite is an outstanding second wine from the illustrious Château Lafite Rothschild, renowned for its legacy of producing exceptional wines. This vintage has received high praise from critics, scoring 95-96 points from James Suckling, who noted its captivating aromas of smoke, blackcurrants, and blackberries, beautifully complemented by hints of spice and orange peel. The Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, highlighting its elegance and character, with familiar lead pencil and charcoal notes that echo those found in the grand vin.

In the glass, the 2010 Carruades displays a deep, alluring colour, signalling its richness. The nose offers a complex bouquet that draws you in, where the enticing fruit aromas are layered with subtle secondary notes, creating an inviting prelude to the tasting experience. The palate presents a medium-bodied profile, distinguished by ultra-polished tannins that provide a silky texture.

This vintage is characterised by its forward, precocious nature, making it approachable even in its youth. The wine showcases a harmonious balance of fruitiness with well-integrated acidity, enhancing its freshness and overall structure. Despite its immediate charm, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite possesses significant aging potential, indicating that it can develop beautiful complexities over the next 20-25 years.

Overall, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite stands as a true testament to the craftsmanship inherent at Lafite Rothschild. It promises a delightful drinking experience now, while also being capable of evolving into something even more extraordinary with time. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rich dishes, this second wine delivers a glimpse into the elegance and artistry of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates, making it a worthy addition to any fine wine collection.

JAMES SUCKLING 95-96 points
Incredible smoke, currants and blackberries. Spices too. Full bodied, with ultra-polished tannins and blackberries, blueberries and minerals. Orange peel too. Best Carruades ever?

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Another brilliant second wine, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) is elegant and amazing for a second wine from Lafite. “Carruades de Lafite” is now engraved in the bottle to prevent unscrupulous sommeliers and merchants from trying to pass it off as Lafite Rothschild. The wine displays much of the same lead pencil, charcoal and black currant notes of its bigger sister, although it is forward, precocious and far less structured than the grand vin. Nevertheless, this wine, which can be drunk now, will cellar beautifully for at least 20-25 more years.

VINOUS 89 points
The 2010 Carruades de Lafite has a generous bouquet with “playful” red berry fruit, liquorice and cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, plush and rounded in texture. It just comes across a little blocky on the finish when I am seeking more tension and delineation. This bottle questions the longevity of this Second label. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting. - Neal Martin

JANCIS ROBINSON 17.5 points
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Mid crimson without great colour intensity. Very savoury and glossy. Immediate polish on the nose here. Raspberries and tar. Great intensity and fluidity. Really this is SO much better than it used to be. Very fine wine by any measure. Bone dry. Minerals and chew on the end but no rustic tannins. Very fine and long. It is admirable that Charles Chevalier puts so much effort into this wine which, although admittedly it is expensive, could be sold several times over in China whatever it tasted like. (JR)

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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.