Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac, 2011
It is not always easy to remain impartial when tasting Carruades de Lafite. Lafite's second wine still trades at close to £3000 per case, a phenomenal sum for what is really quite a humble Pauillac. The association with China's favourite wine brand and its uncanny resemblance have driven prices through the roof. Quite floral with notes of violets and sweet cassis fruit. There is a soft, pure mid-palate of bramble fruit and blackcurrants with just a little astringency. Fashioned from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% of very fragrant Petit Verdot, this is a smart second wine.
critic reviews
Medium ruby. Straightforward aromas of redcurrant, mint and cedar, plus a suggestion of coffee. Light and fresh on the palate, showing moderate depth to its red fruit and cedar flavors. With modest concentration and sweetness, the tannins make their presence felt a bit early. A very light Carruades.