Château Lafite Rothschild Carruades de Lafite 2020

Carruades de Lafite 2020 is the celebrated second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, offering a refined introduction to one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates. Blending 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this Pauillac red combines classical structure with modern drinkability. In 2020 it delivers remarkable depth and charm, capturing the signature Lafite elegance in a more approachable, early-drinking style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Carruades de Lafite 2020 shows a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose opens with dark berries and blackcurrant, layered with notes of cassis, cigar paper, violet and a subtle clay-like earthiness that speaks clearly of Pauillac’s gravelly terroir. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy yet finely balanced, with ripe black fruits, plum and blackberry wrapped in silky tannins. Savory notes of graphite, cedar and gentle spice add complexity, while fresh acidity keeps everything lifted and precise. The finish is long and persistent, already harmonious but with the structure to evolve beautifully. Enjoyable young after a brief decant, this vintage has the pedigree to age gracefully for 12–20 years, gaining further nuance and softness over time.

Production
Carruades de Lafite is sourced from parcels on the famous deep gravel hilltops of Pauillac, with sand and limestone subsoils that naturally limit yields and favor Cabernet Sauvignon of great finesse. The vines are carefully tended and harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and selection of the finest berries. In the cellar, the grapes are traditionally vinified in temperature-controlled vats to preserve purity of fruit and terroir expression. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, complemented by a portion—around 20%—matured in tank, a choice that maintains freshness and drinkability while still imparting the subtle oak complexity and polish associated with Lafite.

Food & Serving
Carruades de Lafite 2020 is a classic partner for roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck breast or venison, as well as dishes featuring wild mushrooms, truffles, or aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Manchego. Its balance of structure and finesse also makes it an elegant match for refined poultry dishes with rich jus or herb-infused sauces. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Decanting for about 45–60 minutes in its youth will help open the bouquet and soften the tannins; as it matures, a gentle decant to remove sediment will be sufficient.

Producer
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most revered names in Bordeaux and the world of fine wine, ranked as a Premier Cru Classé in the historic 1855 classification. Located in Pauillac on the Left Bank of the Gironde, the estate has long been recognized for producing Cabernet-based wines of remarkable finesse, longevity and aristocratic poise. Under the stewardship of the Rothschild family since the 19th century, Lafite has become a benchmark for classic Bordeaux, with meticulous vineyard work and exacting standards in the cellar. Carruades de Lafite, its second wine, allows wine lovers to experience the character and savoir-faire of this legendary château in a more accessible and earlier-drinking style, without sacrificing authenticity or pedigree.

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