Carruades de Lafite 2003

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

There are 20,000 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Carruades de Lafite. Despite record heat in June, July and August, this wine only hit 12.8% alcohol, which seems modest compared to the higher alcohol levels of 2009 and 2010. A final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a second wine with a Lafite Rothschild-like character, plenty of creme de cassis, cedarwood and graphite notes as well as a supple, lush texture. It has reached full maturity where it should remain for another 5-10 years. These are two great successes in this vintage that have aged well and surprised me by their intensity and overall complexity.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This seems a little diffuse on the nose with brambly fruits, a touch of mahogany and cassis. Again the palate is tannic and muscular with a lot of toasty new oak. Perhaps a little obvious in style but very clean fruit on the finish (though becomes rather jammy in the glass.) Drink 2009-2015. Tasted January 2007.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A soft blackberry nose with a touch of tar. The palate is quite chewy but very well-balanced. Vibrant acidity with good grip. Lots of sweet black fruits so prevalent in Pauillac, with a lush oakey finish. Superb wine. Tasted March 2004.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2003 Carruades de Lafite, an outstanding second wine, is one of the few 2003s in which I detected roasted characteristics in the bouquet. This fat, broad, fleshy, succulent effort should drink well for 10-15 years.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A spectacular value as well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 135,000-bottle cuvee of 2003 Carruades de Lafite (50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc). This amazing effort rivals such superb second wines as the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion and 1982 Forts de Latour. A serious red, it is sexy, opulent, rich, and luscious with silky tannin, enormous body, and wave after wave of mocha-infused black cherry and cassis fruit. It is almost too good to be believed. While drinkable now, it should evolve for 12-15 years or longer.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. This has a very expressive, quite floral, Margaux-like nose with fine delineation: blackberry, pencil shavings and smoke. The palate displays a little hardness on the entry, firm backbone here; the fruit not quite in synch with the rest of the wine and jutting out on the finish. Tasted October 2010.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, this wine exhibits jammy sweet red and black currants, low acidity, a plump, fleshy, open-knit personality, and a lush, heady finish. It should drink well for at least 10-15 years.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Red-ruby. Expressive aromas of currant, leather, game and tobacco, with a whiff of band-aid. Sweet and smooth on entry, then a bit green and dry-edged in the middle palate, with notes of tobacco, leather and meat. Seems dryer in bottle, and far less primary, than the sample I tasted in the spring of 2004.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(50% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Cassis, minerals, graphite, licorice and fresh herbs on the rather austere nose. Then almost surprisingly sweet on entry, with pliant, aromatic flavors of berries, licorice and minerals. Long finish features fine tannins. A lovely sample, of noteworthy purity.