2015 Carruades de Lafite
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2015 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2015 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild stands as a testament to an exceptional vintage in Bordeaux. With Pauillac being no stranger to the creation of fine wines worthy of investment, this particular bottle encapsulates the sublimity that 2015 graced the region.
Elegance and Complexity: A Vintage to Remember
The season's optimal conditions were marked by balanced summer heat and timely rainfalls, leading to the creation of a vintage that effortlessly balances concentration with finesse. As second wines garner increased recognition for their quality and investment potential, this 2015 Carruades de Lafite serves as a prime example cast from its illustrious lineage.
Precise Viticulture and Astute Blending
Harmonious viticulture practices at Chateau Lafite Rothschild meant the grapes reached impeccable maturity. The blend—primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with tastefully measured components of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot—conveys approachability entwined with the ageing potential that astute collectors yearn for.
This 2015 Carruades de Lafite unveils layers of blackcurrant, pencil lead, and a whisper of peppery spice indicative of its Pauillac terroir. Yet, the affability of this vintage does not eschew complexity; rather it espouses it within a frame that is both luxurious and accessible, evidencing maturity coalesced with enduring freshness—a hallmark of deft craftsmanship.
While one delves into this splendid libation, thoughts turn to its cellar worthiness and the anticipation of how age may further unfurl its tapestry of flavours. Investable attributes abound; this is a wine confident in its storied heritage yet attuned to today’s fine wine landscape.
In Summary: An Assured Investment in Pauillac Pedigree
The composure of the 2015 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild mirrors the estate’s esteemed reputation within Bordeaux’s vinous realm. As an investment piece, it balances immediate pleasure with long-term promise. It is little wonder why so many connoisseurs reserve space in their portfolios for such a distinguished representation of Pauillac's historic vineyards.
Current market price
£2,850.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
203.57
Scores and tasting notes
Making up 35% of the total production at Lafite in 2015 (25% was declassified), this is a beautifully restrained second wine that was picked comparatively early to retain acidity. The freshness of this wine was a relief after tasting some of the vintage’s more extracted wines. Drink: 2020-28
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
A silky and fine second wine of Lafite with blueberry, blackberry and flower aromas and flavors. Cedar and nuts too.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc and aged for 18 months in barrels, 10% new, the 2015 Carruades de Lafite is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and just a little closed at this youthful stage, revealing delicate notes of red and black plums, black cherries and dried herbs plus touches of pencil lead, cedar chest and beef drippings. Medium-bodied, refreshing and with a well-played chewy texture, although just a baby in terms of evolution, it has an accessible structure, finishing long and savory.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
The 2015 Carruades de Lafite is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. This has a satisfying purity on the nose: blackberry and briary, a distant, cold slate-like note just underneath, with the new oak (close to 20%) neatly subsumed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is moderate depth to this slightly foursquare and conservative Carruades, but there is also plenty of freshness and it has an appealing, unassuming finish that is both harmonious and precise. Probably one of the most approachable deuxième vins, afford this 2-3 years in bottle before broaching.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc. Relatively light crimson. Light, rather timid nose. Drying tannins on the end. Very pretty and polite but not at all dramatic!
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com