Carruades de Lafite 2008

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The nose is more ostentatious than its peers, lifted blackberry, cassis and cedar aromas, a more hedonistic Pauillac along not dissimilar lines to Pontet Canet? The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins on the entry. Supple in the mouth, very smooth and seductive with a seamless finish. There is a touch of hickory developing on the aftertaste. Very fine and better than I expected given previous encounters. Tasted January 2012.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 exhibits graphite, sandalwood, black and red currant, chocolate and damp earth characteristics in its elegant, medium to full-bodied, fresh, lively personality. It is a delicious, luscious, already evolved wine to drink over the next 15+ years.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2008 Carruades de Lafite, made from yields of 46 hectoliters per hectare, is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Revealing an inky/ruby/purple color that is slightly less dense than the grand vin’s, it offers up beautiful aromas of graphite, smoke, black currants, and cedar. Very sexy in the fleshy style of the 2003, it is a succulent, hedonistic turn-on. Moreover, given the freshness and acid profile, it should drink well for 15-20 years. Interestingly, Lafite Rothschild’s manager, Charles Chevalier, told me there was not much flavor in the grapes in mid-September, but a month later, after four weeks of extraordinary weather, they believed something profound may have happened given the flavor development. Again, the historically long period between flowering and harvest, and very low yields are part of the secret to the great success of wines such as this.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Carruades de Lafite 2008 has a tightly coiled nose that takes some coaxing from the glass. It is floral at first with ripe black fruits, a touch of briary and smoke. Good definition although it needs to engender a little more lift. The palate is tannic on the entry, crisp and slightly leafy at the front of the mouth, the pastille like sweetness towards the back with small dark cherries, blackberry and raspberry leaf. Moderate length. Perhaps just a little abrupt on the finish. Fine. Drink 2011-2018. Tasted October 2010.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

En primeur barrel sample. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, this has a deep purple colour. The nose is rather tight at first, touches of cassis and blackberry at first, a hint of freshly rolled tobacco with an almost Nebbiolo scent in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, quite tannic, a little grainier than other Pauillacs, just a hint of leafiness inflecting the black, tarry fruit. Quite a “punchy” Carruades, moderate length, though at the same time rather conservative. A little short on the sappy finish. Tasted April 2009.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

(51% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot, 3% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc) Medium-deep ruby. Classic Medoc nose of blackcurrant, graphite and cedar is presently a little closed. Enters the mouth full and silky, with bright blackberry and plum flavors and fine-grained tannins. Finishes moderately long and very clean, though just a touch warm.