Carruades de Lafite 2020

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: William Kelley

A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite offers up aromas of dark berries, cassis, cigar wrapper, violets and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it's a rich, gourmand wine, some 20% of which was matured in tank.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

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.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2020 Carruades de Lafite is a very pretty wine that marries the aromatic presence of Cabernet Sauvignon and the plushness of Merlot that make up the principal part of this blend. Dried herbs, leather, earthiness, tobacco and cedar lend darkness and aromatic intensity to this brooding Pauillac. The 2020 is a powerhouse Carruades that needs a few years in bottle to find its finest balance.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2020 Carruades de Lafite is so expressive right out of the gate. Sage, mint, dried herbs, tobacco and incense grace the Carruades with gorgeous aromatic presence. A backbone of fine tannins lends energy and direction. Medium in body and impeccably refined, the 2020 Carruades is shaping up to be a gem.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2020 Carruades de Lafite, matured in 25-30% new oak, has quite a dense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and faint licorice scents that surface with time. It has fine focus, though not immense intensity. The palate is well balanced with slightly angular tannins, somewhat furry in texture, quite saline with hints of black olive, neat 'n tidy towards the graphite-tinged finish. Probably more classic in style compared to the 2019. Enjoy over the next 12-15 years.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2020 Carruades de Lafite is clean and precise on the nose, the undergrowth/autumn leaf scents permeating the predominantly black fruit, and light peppermint aromas unfurling with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Quite linear in style, particularly toward the finish, where it seems to not want to put a foot wrong. A Deuxième Vin that just needs to loosen its tie and let it all hang out a bit more.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2020 Carruades de Lafite bears the cassis signature that connotes Pauillac, here delivered with impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe tannins, layered black fruit, bay leaf and white pepper. It just doesn't quite kick on toward the finish as expected, but I observed that before it was revealed as a Deuxième Vin. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite offers up aromas of dark berries, cassis, cigar wrapper, violets and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it's a rich, gourmand wine, some 20% of which was matured in tank.