Wine Advisor
Carruades de Lafite 1997
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
This is showing very well on the nose with good precision and a fine sense of mineralite with notes of blackberry, raspberry leaf and a touch of black olives. The palate has a supple entry, slight astringency in the middle, black olives once again with a touch of black cherry and soy, but very lithe and silky on the pointed finish. This has softened since its austere youth. Drink now-2011. Tasted September 2008.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1997 Carruades de Lafite (a blend of 32% Merlot, with the rest mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and a small portion of Cabernet Franc) maintains its reputation as one of Bordeaux's better second wines. The color is dark ruby with purple nuances. The wine is soft, fleshy, and round, with more up-front fat than Lafite, but not nearly the length or perfume. Supple, with low acidity, and an easy-going, silky finish, it will drink well between now and 2006. Lafite's harvest occurred between September 8 (beginning with the Merlot) and October 2. For some Cabernet Sauvignon parcels, there were an exceptional 135 days (the norm being 105-110 days) between the flowering and harvest. This estate, which made a profoundly great 1996, utilized only 28% of its harvest for the 1997 grand vin. Moreover, the selection for the second wine, Carruades, was also severe.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A subtle and quite complex nose. Touches of Asian spice and mint. Well-balanced with fine complexity. Good acidity and dry tannins. A little austere on the finish. Fine. Tasted February 2000.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1997 Carruades de Lafite includes 40% Merlot, resulting in a floral, opulent, rich, round effort. This offering is meant to be drunk young, but will last for another 10 years. Last tasted, 1/02.
About the Producer
Château Lafite Rothschild is a wine estate in the Pauillac region of the Médoc, producing one of the most sought-after and expensive red wines in the world. Lafite Rothschild is known for its perfume, elegance, finesse and harmony, in contrast to the more powerful Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Nevertheless, great vintages can age for 50 years or more. The precise blend of grand vin can vary depending on the vintage. It often contains between 80-95 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot making up much of the rest. In the winery, each plot of grapes is kept seperate for the fermentation to preserve their terroir and allow for maximum control at blending. The wine is aged for up to 20 months in new oak barrels.
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