2006 Carruades de Lafite
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2006 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2006 Pauillac offering from the storied Chateau Lafite Rothschild is a vintage that veritably mirrors the traditional excellence for which this chateau is renowned, distinguished particularly by the noteworthy performance of its secondary wine, Carruades de Lafite.
A Symphony in a Glass: The Essence of Pauillac
The secondary offerings of the great houses are consistently engaging and worthy of attention, and none more so than the 2006 Carruades de Lafite. This is a wine that eloquently articulates its esteemed lineage and the pivotal year it hails from, performing beautifully in the glass — an embodiment of balance and grace amidst the backdrop of a challenging season where meticulous vineyard management was paramount.
The 2006 Vintage: Defiance in Climatic Adversity
The year 2006 was marked by unpredictability; an arduous winter gave way to a promising June, only to unfurl into an uneven summer. Yet, the mettle of Pauillac's terroir shines here, where careful selection yielded grapes that beget profundity in their juice. The Cabernet Sauvignon's fortitude lent structure and longevity, meritoriously supported by the plush softness of Merlot. This harmonious union is underpinned by judiciously employed oak that fosters a finely-knit tapestry of dark berries, touches of savoury cedar and an elegant smokiness.
As with any vintage carrying the Rothschild emblem, potential investors anticipate future reward for their discernment. The 2006 Carruades de Lafite, with its alluring bouquet and structured palate promised to integrate over time with a notable finesse — an attribute lauded by those keen on weaving such pieces into their investment portfolios.
Concluding Reflections on Investment Worthy Wine
In essence, the 2006 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild encapsulates an admirable triumph over climatic challenges. Its graceful ageing potential and robust character make it a worthy candidate for fine wine investors seeking to diversify their collections with a Pauillac that promises further intricacies with time. Amidst the tapestries of opulence woven by the acclaimed vintages of Bordeaux lies this expressive iteration — one poised for continued evolution, inviting contemplation both on the palate and within one’s cellar.
Market price (HKD)
HK$20,070.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
210
Scores and tasting notes
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.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 24 February 2009
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.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012