Jamessuckling.com | JS 96-97
Published: Jun 2, 2021

This is very classically structured with a palate that starts off slowly. Full-bodied and chewy with a soft, creamy texture and a long finish. Savory. A touch austere. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% cabernet franc, the rest petit verdot.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91-93
Published: May 20, 2021

Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite, like its big sibling, is a little youthfully shy to begin, soon unfurling to offer notes of Morello cherries, raspberry leaves, baked blackberries and spice box, plus suggestions of pencil lead, lavender and Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by velvety tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and lifted. This 2020 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
Drink Date: 2026 - 2042

lafite.com

The vintage
The vintage was so early that all through the year we had been preparing for a harvest at the end of August! For Carruades, much of which comes from the youngest vines, one day destined for Lafite, the storms after véraison were a blessing: thanks to them, we did not see any signs of water stress in the grapes, sometimes seen in previous years. In 2020, the Carruades blend has benefited from the presence of our large plots of Merlot such as Grande Horte, Barat, Gandeau. These plots are our hopes for the future, which we prepare each year to reach the level of Lafite... and which flourish in Carruades while awaiting their turn. With 42% Merlot, the vintage marks a return to a high percentage of Merlot in Carruades.

Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.

Terroir
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is located to the North of the Pauillac appellation, bordering Saint-Estèphe. The vineyard consists of three main areas : the hillsides around the Château, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west, and 4.5 hectares in Saint Estèphe appellation. The vineyard covers 112 hectares with soil made up of fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. It is well-drained and benefits from optimal sun exposure.

Winemaking
Carruades de Lafite is made according to the traditional Bordeaux method. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted in wooden, concrete and stainless steel vats. Gentle pumping-over helps to ensure a soft extraction and is carried out according to the specific characteristics of each tank. Total maceration time lasts for about 20 days.
After malolactic fermentation, wines are transfered into French oak barrels made by the Tonnelleries des Domaines in Pauillac for a period of 16 months approximately.

Grapes
52 % Cabernet sauvignon
42 % Merlot
3 % Cabernet franc
3 % Petit verdot

Tasting
Carruades is an intense brilliant crimson red in colour.
Its nose, discreet at first, quickly gives off aromas of redcurrants and raspberries, supported by subtle notes of mint and liquorice. The attack on the palate is silky with great finesse, surprisingly fresh for a solar vintage. A good dense tannic structure persists throughout the tasting, with a finish that is still discreet but full of promise.