Pauillac Carruades de Lafite by Chateau Lafite 1996: The name Lafite is synonymous with Bordeaux and is amongst some of the most expensive wines in the world, and rightly-so. Lafite is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux, with some parts of the Chateau building dating back to the 16th century and with family links to grape growing since the 13th century. Lafite has always been considered the best of the best, confirmed throughout history, namely in the famous 1855 classification whereby it is ranked as a Premiers Cru First Growth, one of only 5 Chateaux. President Thomas Jefferson visited Bordeaux in the late 1700’s, only to remark upon the quality of the wine and to purchase a few cases during his stay. Throughout history Lafite’s Grand Vin has been consistent in producing very high quality wines. 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 hilltop neighbouring Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Carruades is actually one of the oldest second wines in Bordeaux, first produced in the 1850’s. It was re-introduced in the mid 1960’s, where it was called ‘Moulin de Carruades’. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that the name changed to what it is today; Carruades de Lafite.
Tasting notes: This 1996 is at the beginning of it’s drinking window, revealing only now lots of tertiary characteristics such as classic cigar box, forest floor, truffle, mushroom alongside well developed fruit flavours now bordering on the savoury. The tannins are super smooth and the body is velvety. This is truly stunning. A great example of aged claret from one of the best producers on the planet. Alc 13% Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Note: 1996 is a good vintage. Average points: 89. The wines from the Medoc can be stunning where the Cabernet excelled. More in wine beyond