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Carruades de Lafite (2nd wine of Ch Lafite) 1996

Pauillac, Second wine

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Units Size Case size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
12 75cl Bottle Case 12 £2,250 per Case Case [Add to shopping basket]
Tasting Notes

Aromas of currant and cigar box. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Ready to go.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective.

Score: 88

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 January 2007

Watery rim and rather low-key nose that opened out to strong mineral elements. Neat and plummy and inky on the palate but with a very appetising dry finish. Velvety texture - lots of interest buried in here, not to mention some very ripe tannins still doing their stuff.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2006-2016 18 October 2006

I have noticed in my tastings that the second wine of Lafite-Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite, has improved over recent years. The 1996, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, may turn out to be the finest Carruades I have ever tasted. It possesses as much power, ripeness, and fleshy fruit (because of the high percentage of Merlot) as I have ever detected in this offering. While it does not quite have the characteristics of Lafite, being fleshier and more accessible, it is a beautifully made wine with a subtle dosage of toasty new oak, an appealing texture, and excellent length. Given its power, this second wine will need 2-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 15+ years (I would not be surprised to see it last for two decades).

Score: 86 - 88

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2000-2020 01 February 1998