Chateau Lafite Rothschild   Carruades de Lafite

2001 Carruades de Lafite

By Chateau Lafite Rothschild

2001 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The charm of the 2001 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild is revealed through its complex bouquet and the remarkable finesse that Pauillac terroirs are renowned for. Capturing the essence of a vintage that triumphed over challenging climatic conditions, this wine speaks to the resilience and the meticulous vineyard management of its esteemed producer.

 

Vintage Excellence: A Testament to Tenacity

The year 2001 started with irregular weather patterns, prompting apprehension among vintners in Bordeaux. Nevertheless, as summer unfolded, an Indian summer took hold, gracing the vineyards with optimal conditions for ripening the grapes. It's this serendipitous turn in weather that has enshrined the 2001 Carruades de Lafite as one of the most captivating second wines of its decade.

This enticing Pauillac is a true testament to a vintage defined by mother nature's capricious elements often known to shape Bordeaux's greatest creations. It exudes ripe blackcurrant notes with an underlying hint of cedar and smooth leather – a profile that brilliantly captures the hallmark elegance and complexity that peerless vineyard stewardship can accomplish even under uncertain skies.

 

Gossamer Tones and Silken Tannins

On the palate, the 2001 Carruades de Lafite offers ripe tannins, which twenty years on have evolved into a gossamer web-like structure, affording a mouthfeel that expertly balances power with delicacy. This graceful maturation has brought forth a luscious blend of dark fruit and earthy truffle tones, indicative of superb ageing potential which savvy wine investors seek.

The investment allure of this wine lies in its lineage from Chateau Lafite Rothschild – a name synonymous with prestige and longevity in fine wines. The deft combination of tenacious vintage characteristics and revered winemaking pedigree positions the 2001 Carruades de Lafite as a compelling addition to any well-curated wine portfolio.

As one engages further with this exceptional example of Pauillac finesse, it becomes abundantly clear that the 2001 vintage holds a unique place in the pantheon of Bordeaux wines. Any enthusiast or investor with an eye for authentic quality will no doubt appreciate its intricate layers and evolving narrative – making it an unmissable treasure in any collection.

Current market price

£2,110.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

234.44

Scores and tasting notes

89

Slightly jammy on the nose with raspberry coulis, redcurrant and strawberry fruit. Lacks a little typicity. A sweet strawberry and cherry flavoured saturated palate that needs more acidity and definition. Just a little overdone. Tasted October 2007.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2008

87

The elegant second wine, 2001 Carruades de Lafite reveals notions of lead pencil shavings intertwined with cherry, currant, cranberry, and wet stone-like aromas. Drink this medium-bodied, up-front Pauillac over the next decade.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2004

Vintage performance