2010 Carruades de Lafite

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums and boysenberries followed by hints of menthol, tobacco leaf, cloves and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a well-poised frame of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the savory flavors, finishing with a spicy kick. 92 points LPB
Another brilliant second wine, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) is elegant and amazing for a second wine from Lafite. “Carruades de Lafite” is now engraved in the bottle to prevent unscrupulous sommeliers and merchants from trying to pass it off as Lafite Rothschild. The wine displays much of the same lead pencil, charcoal and black currant notes of its bigger sister, although it is forward, precocious and far less structured than the grand vin. Nevertheless, this wine, which can be drunk now, will cellar beautifully for at least 20-25 more years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #205, Feb 2013)

The 2010 Carruades de Lafite has a generous bouquet with “playful” red berry fruit, liquorice and cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, plush and rounded in texture. It just comes across a little blocky on the finish when I am seeking more tension and delineation. This bottle questions the longevity of this Second label. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.

Solid, with bright cassis, fig and blackberry fruit studded with tobacco leaf, anise and violet. The long finish has a tarry thread, but stays polished and refined overall, with a whiff of sandalwood lingering gently. Best from 2014 through 2028. 25,000 cases made.

– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2013)

This smells like a bouquet of flowers with blueberries and currants and spices. Full body, yet agile and refined. So fine and pretty. It's balanced and in harmony. Savory. A smoky, decadent and meat undertone. Try in 2016.

– jamessuckling.com, Nov 2013

Quality 846 | Brand 890 | Economics 905 | buzz brand, investment staple
Quality: Above the average quality score of its peer group for the 2010 vintage, 784 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 £117 for the 2010 vintage Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 151,058 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017