Carruades de Lafite

Château Lafite Rothschild is a wine estate in the Pauillac region of the Médoc, producing one of the most sought-after and expensive red wines in the world. Lafite Rothschild is known for its perfume, elegance, finesse and harmony, in contrast to the more powerful Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Nevertheless, great vintages can age for 50 years or more. The Lafite Rothschild vineyard covers around 112 hectares (277 acres) on sunny, well-drained sites made up of fine gravel and sand over limestone subsoil.

Carruades de Lafite is the second wine, with a strong following in its own right. More Merlot (30-50 percent) appears in the final blend. It is aged for 18-20 months, with 80 percent in barrels and 20 percent in tank.

The deep, dark, ruby-red color is almost opaque and it holds well to the rim. Aromas of cassis and plum have a lovely minty freshness that is tamed by graphite overtones. The acidity is fresh while tannins are firm, fine and gripping, without being astringent. Juicy, lively red-fruit dominates the mid-palate and a seam of graphite runs through it. Alcohol is balanced with quite long finish.