2018 Château Lafite Rothschild Carruades de Lafite

Carruades de Lafite 2018 is the distinguished second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, offering a more approachable expression of this legendary Pauillac estate while clearly echoing the finesse of the Grand Vin. With a higher proportion of Merlot and fruit drawn from specific parcels, it marries classical Lafite elegance with a slightly softer, more seductive profile. Its name derives from the Carruades plateau, a prized group of plots acquired in 1845, perched beside the château’s historic vineyards and now integral to the identity of this wine.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Carruades de Lafite shows a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue, signaling both concentration and youth. The nose opens with pure blackcurrant and ripe black cherry, followed by layers of graphite, cedar shavings, tobacco leaf, and subtle violet, all framed by fine-grained oak spice and a cool, stony undertone. On the palate, this is a poised and finely structured Pauillac, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing linear drive and Merlot bringing plush, dark-fruited flesh to the mid-palate. Flavors of cassis, plum and black raspberry intermingle with notes of pencil lead, cocoa, cigar box and a whisper of dried herbs. Tannins are silky yet firm, promising beautiful evolution, while the acidity is fresh and precise, giving lift to the long, mineral-tinged finish. This vintage has the density and balance to age gracefully for 15–20 years or more, gradually gaining complexity, polish and tertiary nuances of leather, truffle and forest floor.

Production
Carruades de Lafite 2018 is sourced from the Carruades plateau and select neighboring parcels on the famed gravel terraces of Pauillac, where deep layers of gravel over clay provide excellent drainage while the underlying clay acts like a ‘sponge’, regulating water in a hot, dry year. The 2018 blend is composed of approximately 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 5.5% Cabernet Franc, reflecting both the estate’s Cabernet-driven identity and the important role Merlot plays in Carruades’ softer profile. In a challenging but ultimately outstanding vintage that began wet and turned hot and dry from mid-July onward, meticulous vineyard work and largely sustainable, near-organic practices kept mildew losses to under 5%. Harvest took place parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness: Merlot from 17–24 September, Cabernet Franc on 24 September, and Cabernet Sauvignon from 25 September to 5 October. After careful sorting, the grapes were vinified traditionally in temperature-controlled vats, with gentle extraction to preserve finesse, followed by élevage in French oak barrels (a portion new) to harmonize tannins and add discreet complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Food & Serving
The 2018 Carruades de Lafite is a natural partner for classic, refined dishes such as roast lamb with rosemary, beef tenderloin, duck breast, or veal chops with mushroom jus; it also pairs beautifully with game birds, truffled poultry, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or mature cheddar. For the best expression, serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F) in large Bordeaux stems. In its youth, decanting for about 1–2 hours helps the wine open up and soften the tannins; as it matures, a gentle 30–45 minute decant will be sufficient to reveal its aromatic complexity while preserving its delicate nuances.

Producer
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious First Growths, with a history dating back to at least the 17th century and a reputation that helped define the global prestige of Pauillac and the Médoc. Classified as a Premier Cru in the 1855 Classification, Lafite has long been synonymous with refinement, longevity and the archetypal Cabernet Sauvignon-based claret. Under the stewardship of the Rothschild family since the 19th century, the estate has expanded its holdings and fine-tuned its viticulture and winemaking, embracing sustainable practices while preserving a deeply traditional style. Carruades de Lafite, its second wine, was created to reflect the Lafite signature in a more accessible form and has itself become one of the most sought-after second wines in Bordeaux, recognized worldwide for its consistent quality and its faithful expression of this legendary terroir.

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