Carruades de Lafite 2006

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The Carruades de Lafite ’06 has a ripe nose, more red-berried fruit than black, quite sensuous, tobacco, savoury nose and a touch of black pepper. Good definition although it could do with a little more vigour. The palate is medium-bodied, good grip, very pure and modern with caressing mouthfeel, touch of volatility. Lovely, ravishing, opulent finish with blackberry, leather and mocha all with well-integrated new oak. This is very generous at the moment thanks to the ebullient Merlot. Performing better than I expected. Tasted January 2010.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 2006 Carruades has a well defined, fresh but not complex bouquet with a more red fruit profile that black. It has attractive forest floor aromas, a touch of cedar and crushed flower, adopting an almost Pomerol-like bouquet. The palate is well balanced with a supple entry. It has good acidity and seems quite approachable considering its youth with fine minerality on the ferrous finish. Tasted February 2012.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Lafite. A deep garnet core. A high toned, Merlot-scented nose with a touch of Xmas cake and Morello. Moderate definition. The palate is medium-bodied, toasty with a touch of bitter chocolate. A little “furry” but there is certain good concentration if not good breeding. Blackberry and cherries on the finish. A solid Carruades but no great shakes. Tasted April 2007.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The second wine, which has soared in quality over the last decade, is an outstanding effort displaying a character similar to that of Lafite, without the size, depth, and aging potential of that wine. The 2006 Carruades de Lafite offers up aromas of graphite, cedar, black currants, sweet cherries, and smoky herbs. This complex, more evolved, medium-bodied, silky-textured, sexy offering will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(48% each merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with 2.5% cabernet franc and 1.5% petit verdot) Bright ruby-red. Fruit-driven aromas of currant and cherry lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and firm on the palate, with complex flavors of currant, minerals, flowers, dark chocolate and currant leaf. The wine's acid spine and slight greenness give it a very fresh, vibrant character and contribute to the impression of structure. Finishes firmly tannic, with moderate persistence.