CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2nd wine of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 2020 Bottle
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
Château Lafite Rothschild’s second wine, Carruades de Lafite, beautifully embodies the essence of its grand sibling while showcasing a unique personality, prioritizing a higher proportion of Merlot from specific vineyard plots. Named after the Carruades plateau, acquired in 1845, it reflects a prestigious heritage.
James Suckling awarded it an impressive 96-97 points, describing its classic structure, creamy texture, and savory palate. Decanter rated it 92 points, highlighting coffee and black chocolate notes and angular tannins that will soften with age. The Wine Advocate gave it 91-93 points, noting its complex aromas of Morello cherries and baked blackberries. Vinous also scored it 91 points, praising the cassis signature and layered black fruit flavors. With a drinking window from 2025 to 2042, this wine promises elegance and refinement for years to come.
*****
Château Lafite Rothschild’s second wine, Carruades de Lafite presents similar characteristics to the Grand Vin, but with its own personality linked to a higher proportion of Merlot and to specific plots that are used to produce Carruades. The name comes from the Carruades plateau, a group of plots acquired in 1845 just next to the vines on the Château hilltop.
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
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.
