Presentation
The 2022 vintage of
Carruades de Lafite embodies the refinement and precision that have made the great wines of Pauillac renowned worldwide. As the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, it offers a more accessible interpretation of this legendary terroir while preserving its hallmark elegance, freshness, and depth. In this warm, solar vintage, the wine displays a harmonious balance between ripe fruit, finely woven tannins, and a long, persistent finish. It will appeal to demanding enthusiasts seeking both immediate pleasure and serious ageing potential.
Origin and Vinification
- The grapes are sourced from the prestigious Pauillac appellation, in the northern Médoc. Here, deep gravel soils over limestone and clay provide excellent drainage and encourage the vine to root deeply, shaping wines of remarkable structure and finesse.
- The blend is typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, and occasionally touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, bringing complexity, suppleness, and aromatic nuance.
- Vinification follows the rigorous standards of the estate: careful parcel selection, gentle extraction to preserve finesse, and ageing in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new. This élevage refines the tannins, enhances aromatic complexity, and respects the purity of the fruit without overpowering it.
Tasting
- Appearance
Deep ruby colour with purple highlights, perfectly limpid, indicating both concentration and youth.
- Nose
Precise and expressive, with notes of blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, and plum, lifted by hints of graphite, cedar, and subtle spice. Delicate touches of tobacco leaf and violet emerge with aeration, reflecting its noble Pauillac origin.
- Palate
The attack is suave and finely textured, followed by a mid-palate combining dense, ripe fruit with a fresh, elongated structure. The tannins are firm yet silky, framed by a vibrant acidity. The finish is persistent, marked by mineral and spicy nuances that underline the seriousness and balance of Carruades de Lafite.
Food Pairings & Moments
- Ideal pairings include roasted lamb, grilled beef, game birds, and mature hard cheeses. It also harmonises beautifully with dishes featuring mushrooms, truffle, or reduced red-wine sauces.
- Best enjoyed during refined dinners, special occasions with wine lovers, or as a centrepiece bottle for a vertical tasting of great Bordeaux.
Ageing Potential and Service
- The optimal drinking window begins around 2027, once the structure has integrated, and extends comfortably over the following decade.
- This 2022 has solid ageing potential, easily developing complexity for 12–18 years in a good cellar, gaining tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and undergrowth.
- Serve at 16–18°C, after decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth to allow the bouquet and texture to fully express themselves.
