CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2nd wine of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 2020 Bottle (losn)
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Pauillac | 75cl
£235.00
ABV: 13%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pauillac
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Description
IN BRIEF
The 2020 Carruades de Lafite, the esteemed second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, beautifully exemplifies elegance and sophistication while showcasing a distinctive personality. This vintage features a higher proportion of Merlot sourced from carefully selected vineyard plots, contributing to its fruit-forward character and deep, inviting colour. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, accompanied by hints of spice and subtle earthiness. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, presenting a harmonious balance of freshness and richness with refined tannins. Rated 96-97 points by James Suckling and 92 points by Decanter, this versatile wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats and game, making it a must-try for enthusiasts of the Lafite legacy.
ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2020 Carruades de Lafite, the esteemed second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, exemplifies the elegance and sophistication of its grand sibling while showcasing a distinctive personality. This vintage prioritises a higher proportion of Merlot sourced from carefully selected vineyard plots, contributing to its fruit-forward character and accessibility. The name "Carruades" refers to the iconic plateau acquired by Château Lafite in 1845, which adds historical significance to this wine.
In the glass, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite presents a deep, inviting colour, suggesting richness and concentration. The wine opens with enticing aromas of dark fruits, primarily blackcurrant and blackberry, which resonate with the signature characteristics of Château Lafite. These fruit notes are beautifully complemented by subtle hints of spice, floral undertones, and a touch of earthiness, creating a complex and captivating aromatic profile.
On the palate, this vintage is medium to full-bodied and showcases an elegant balance between freshness and richness. The higher Merlot content brings a luscious mouthfeel and softness to the wine, while the refined tannins are polished and well-integrated, providing a silky texture that enhances the overall drinking experience. The 2020 Carruades is structured yet approachable, making it delightful to enjoy now but also holding promise for further development with cellaring.
The wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, game, and rich mushroom-based dishes, underscoring its versatility.
In summary, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite is a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship of Château Lafite Rothschild. With its alluring aromas, vibrant fruit character, and elegant structure, this vintage is an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Lafite legacy, while enjoying the unique traits that Carruades de Lafite has to offer.
JAMES SUCKLING 96-97 points
29 Apr, 2021 – This is very classically structured with a palate that starts off slowly. Full-bodied and chewy with a soft, creamy texture and a long finish. Savory. A touch austere. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% cabernet franc, the rest petit verdot.
DECANTER 92 points
Tasted by Jane Anson
More Merlot than in 2019, but as you find repeatedly in 2020, the Cabernet Sauvignon plays an oversized role in the flavour profile. This has a ton of impact and intensity, coffee and black chocolate with angular tannins that will benefit from softening over ageing. Plenty of Pauillac signature here, with liquorice root and tobacco leaf. A slate texture gives definition to the end of play. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2038
JANCIS ROBINSON 17.5 points
Drink: 2027 - 2040
52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Intense colour. Fresh and zesty with plenty of sappy fruit. Red- and dark-berry fruit notes provide aromatic appeal. Hint of mint as well. Palate long and lithe but structured with fine but grainy tannin. Power but charm as well. (JL)
THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 - 93 points
Drink Date: 2026 - 2042
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 20th May 2021
Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite, like its big sibling, is a little youthfully shy to begin, soon unfurling to offer notes of Morello cherries, raspberry leaves, baked blackberries and spice box, plus suggestions of pencil lead, lavender and Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by velvety tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and lifted. This 2020 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
VINOUS 91 points
The 2020 Carruades de Lafite bears the cassis signature that connotes Pauillac, here delivered with impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe tannins, layered black fruit, bay leaf and white pepper. It just doesn't quite kick on toward the finish as expected, but I observed that before it was revealed as a Deuxième Vin. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. - Neal Martin
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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.
