CARRUADES DE LAFITE 2nd wine of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 2022 Bottle
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Pauillac | 75cl
£245.00
ABV: 13.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pauillac
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Description
The 2022 Carruades de Lafite showcases the exceptional quality of this esteemed estate, garnering impressive ratings from top critics. The Wine Advocate awarded it 91-93 points, highlighting its aromas of sweet cherries, cedar box, and loamy soil, presenting a medium to full-bodied, bright, and velvety profile. James Suckling rated it 96-97 points, praising its aromatic bouquet of sweet tobacco and blackcurrants, with a nervy palate featuring intense blackcurrant and orange peel. Decanter scored it 94 points, emphasizing its bright acidity, smooth texture, and mouthwatering juiciness, along with herbal nuances and a structured finish. Vinous gave it 92 points for its balance and fluidity, while Jancis Robinson noted its complex nose and fresh, zesty palate. This exceptional wine promises to age beautifully from 2027 to 2041.
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.
JAMES SUCKLING - 96-97 Points
"Extremely perfumed with sweet tobacco and blackcurrants as well as cedar and dark chocolate. Aromatic. Medium-bodied with an intense center palate of blackcurrant, orange peel and peaches. Nervy. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot."
THE WINE ADVOCATE - 91-93 Points
"Aromas of sweet cherries and berries mingled with hints of cedar box, loamy soil, warm spices, violets and orange zest introduce the 2022 Carruades de Lafite, a medium to full-bodied, bright and velvety blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot." Reviewed by William Kelley 04/23
DECANTER - 94 Points
"Plums, blackcurrants, dark chocolate and perfumed aromas on the nose. Smooth and bright, silky, sharp, intense but so likeable, a shot of high acidity really sets the tone, this is zinging with energy, bite and power. It's a look at me wine with a strawberry and red cherry sweetness as well as herbal savouriness that hits the mid palate creating a mouthwatering juiciness and sense of structure. The power comes in after a few minutes, alongside minerality and wet stone touches to the fine but present tannins. Streamlined, focussed and confident. Cleverly constructed with lots to like, will age well and has lovely Pauillac touches. 64IPT. 3.75pH. Harvest 31 August to 24 September. 16% press. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend." Reviewed by Georgina Hindle 04/23
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2041