Chateau Lafite Rothschild   Carruades de Lafite

2014 Carruades de Lafite

By Chateau Lafite Rothschild

2014 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

In the canon of Bordeaux wines, the second wines often present an opportunity to sample the esteemed terroir and winemaking expertise of their more illustrious siblings without requiring decades of cellaring. This is especially true of the 2014 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, a vintage that articulates the grace of Pauillac with eloquence and precision.

 

Insight into a Pauillac Gem

The 2014 vintage in Bordeaux has been lauded for its classic appeal, delivering finesse over opulence, with Pauillac offering particularly accomplished examples. Amidst this backdrop, the 2014 Carruades de Lafite asserts itself with a composed bouquet that marries blackcurrant and subtle cedar notes, alluding to its noble lineage at Chateau Lafite Rothschild. On the palate, one discovers layers of dark fruit enlaced with fine tannins – an ode to its superb structural backbone.

 

A Vintage Defined by Balance and Approachability

The beauty of this specific vintage lies in its balance; a result no doubt of the relatively cool July and August followed by an Indian summer that graced Pauillac that year. Such climatic serendipity bestowed the 2014 Carruades de Lafite with an approachable nature seldom found in such youthful Bordeaux. Its poise between acidity and ripeness results in a wine that can be appreciated now or cellared to evolve further complexity.

For investors considering their portfolios, the 2014 Carruades de Lafite offers a compelling proposition. This vintage not only allows one to enjoy the sophistication associated with Chateau Lafite Rothschild but also exemplifies a judicious addition that is both consummately crafted and accessible.

In summation, the 2014 Carruades de Lafite reveals the prowess of Chateau Lafite Rothschild's winemaking while expressing the personality of its vintage beautifully. It stands as proof that second wines can transcend expectations and provide both drinking pleasure and investment wisdom. This 2014 creation will assuredly add layered complexity to both one's cellar and investment portfolio.

Current market price

£2,850.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

203.57

Scores and tasting notes

94

No tasting note available.

Tim Atkin - TimAtkin.com (04/2015)

92-93

No tasting note available.

James Suckling - Jamesuckling.com (04/2015)

90-93

No tasting note available.

Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator

88

The 2014 Carruades de Lafite has a crisp, tightly wound, blackberry scented bouquet that continues to demonstrate that attractive tarry tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple opening, notes of blackberry and mulberry fruit, a dash of white pepper, though it just feels a little blocky on the finish at the moment, so I might be inclined to afford this another couple of years in the cellar.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017

16+

No tasting note available.

Jancis Robinson - JancisRobinson.com

Vintage performance