Carruades de Lafite

Carruades de Lafite

  • Pauillac, 
  • Bordeaux, 
  • france

Latest Awards

  • 91 points Wine Advocate , February 2024
  • 92 points Vinous , December 2023
Background

Carruades de Lafite features characteristics similar to those of the esteemed Château Lafite Rothschild, but with their own personality, and plots of land that are clearly identified as producing Carruades. The origin of the name comes from the Carruades plateau, the name of a group of plots adjacent to the chateau’s best vineyards, purchased in 1845 by Château Lafite. In the 20th century, the Carruades were marketed separately from Château Lafite before being integrated. The name Carruades was adopted as the name of Château Lafite Rothschild’s second wine, which was called “Moulin des Carruades” prior to the 1980’s.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

2012 was a relatively mild winter, the spring was mostly wet and rainy, especially April, with a hail storm on April 24th. Such conditions hampered fertilization, leading to fears of reduced yields. June and July alternated heat and humidity. The weather became more stable from the beginning of August, enabling the healthy grapes to finish ripening in good conditions. Nevertheless, there was considerable variation in the degrees of ripeness and a great deal of sorting work was carried out by our teams from the end of September. Harvests took place from September 28th - October 16th.

Winemaking & Aging

Pumping over and maceration times were adapted to each vat, according to the plot and the level of ripeness of the tannins. Alcohol and malolactic fermentation both took place in wooden and stainless steel vats with temperature control. Maceration lasted 15-20 days. 18 months in barrels: 10% new barrels and 90% in one use barrels crafted at the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite cooperage. Pumping over and maceration times were adapted to each vat, according to the plot and the level of ripeness of the tannins. Alcohol and malolactic fermentation both took place in wooden and stainless steel vats with temperature control. Maceration lasted 15-20 days.

Tasting Notes

Very floral nose with exceptional complexity. On the palate, fine balance on the attack continues with good flavor expression before a fairly long finish with lovely structure, still lively and with a hint of oak.

94-95
Points

Soft and attractive character to this wine, showing a polished-tannin frame and a juicy center-palate. Medium body with medium, velvety tannins. Juicy. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

James Suckling - May 2022

92
Points

The 2021 Carruades de Lafite is gorgeous. Supple, dynamic and lively, the 2021 pulses with energy. It's a wine of vibrancy. Dark cherry fruit, plum, grilled herbs and graphite all build effortlessly in the glass. There's a bit of graininess in the tannin, yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. There's a ton to like, that's for sure. -A.G.

Vinous - December 2023

91
Points

The 2021 Carruades de Lafite is mostly composed of the younger replacement vines dotted throughout Lafite's vineyards on the plateau, which are harvested separately. Offering up aromas of red berries, cassis, cedar box and orange rind, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with good concentration and a long, penetrating finish. It's a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, part of which was matured in wooden vats rather than barriques. -W.K.

Wine Advocate - February 2024

91-93
Points

The 2021 Carruades de Lafite is a dark, brooding wine. Dense and plush, with quite a bit of tannin presence, Carruades is quite distinctive in 2021. Blue/purplish fruit and floral notes show tremendous primary intensity. Bright acids on the finish add an attractive sense of freshness that is quite appealing. The 2021 is a serious Carruades. -A.G.

Vinous - April 2022

90
Points

The 2021 Carruades de Lafite, which contains 10% vin de presse (a little less than usual), has a fragrant bouquet, very pure, focused and impressively delineated with blackberry, pencil shavings and light tobacco scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a lilting opening, clean, fresh black fruit, plenty of graphite notes and a dash of cracked black pepper on the finish. This is a fine Carruades that will give up to 20 years of drinking pleasure. -N.M.

Vinous - November 2023

Appellation

Pauillac

grape varieties

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

Sizes

750ml

technical details
  • ABV: 12.77%
  • TA: 3.61 g/l
  • Ph: 3.62
  • Closure: Cork
winemaker

Eric Kohler

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