A bright kick of salinity on the finish, although there are more evident touches of the summer drought here than in the first wine, with rose petals and dried fruit on the finish. Plenty to enjoy, with the angular tannins softening after a few moments in the glass. A good time to drink, not likely to deepen much more although it should continue drinking well for the next decade. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Drinking Window: 2021 - 2032
Tasted by: Jane Anson (at Bordeaux, 19 Feb 2021)

This has a slightly grainy feel, with cedar and ground vanilla bean notes leading to layers of plum, cherry compote and lightly mulled currant fruit. A strong tobacco accent fills in on the finish, revealing a cedary echo at the very end. Best from 2016 through 2026.

– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, Web Only 2014)

This is a red with chocolate, hazelnut and berry character. It’s full- to medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Very well done for the vintage. Better in 2015.

– jamessuckling.com, Feb 2014

This is a red with chocolate, hazelnut and berry character. It’s full- to medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Very well done for the vintage. Better in 2015.

The 2011 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soft berry fruit, underbrush, fresh herb and bay leaf characteristics as well as soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a medium-bodied, slightly superficial, but satisfying style suggest this 2011 should be consumed over the next 10-15 years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #200, Apr 2012)

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot, the Carruades has quite a voluminous bouquet, much more rounded thanks to that Merlot with blackberry, mulberry and sous-bois. The palate is much rounder and more forward that I was expected with soft, very supple tannins...this will be an approachable Carruades to drink for pleasure rather than intellectual return. Tasted April 2012.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2012

[55CS/39M/3.5CF/2.5PV] Middleweight with a modest concentration, a firmish tannin and fresh acidity; a touch chewy for the juicy ripe fruit, good medium length, though finishing with a fairly dry impression. Decent rather than special. Finishes grippy. 2018-25 [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

Quality 691 | Brand 890 | Economics 949 | buzz brand
Quality: Above the average quality score of its peer group for the 2011 vintage, 649 Brand: One of the most talked-about wines by the fine wine trade, with mention frequency in the top 20% in Wine Lister's proprietary Founding Member survey Economics: Above its peer group average price of £72 for the 2011 vintage Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 151,058 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017