2017 Carruades de Lafite
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2017 Carruades de Lafite from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The vintage of 2017 was met with certain climatic adversities in Bordeaux. However, the 2017 Carruades de Lafite etches its distinctive character into the annals with a finesse and structure that has become a hallmark of the esteemed Chateau Lafite Rothschild offerings.
A Vintage Speckled with Challenge and Triumph
While perhaps eclipsed in notoriety by its siblings from grander years, the 2017 Carruades de Lafite deserves recognition for the skilled vinicultural sorcery performed by Chateau Lafite Rothschild’s team. Frost-bitten by early spring weather, this year demanded an adaptation that was deftly met by the winery's seasoned hands.
Flavour Palette: A Profound Expression of Resilience
Upon sampling, one is greeted by the subtle choreography of blackcurrant and graphite cruising alongside subtle plums and violets—a déjà vu of classic Pauillac character. The palate plays with a tender balance of ripened tannins that whisper more of continuity than immediacy, endearing this wine to those who are attuned to a more refined breed of claret. One notices a vibrant acidity—possibly an homage to the cooler growing season—which underpins this blend's ageing potential.
The 2017 Carruades de Lafite is undoubtedly one for the astute wine investors looking to diversify their portfolio. There’s allure in its current accessibility, which will only deepen as it evolves, further embellishing its stature amongst collectors' caches across the globe.
Conclusion: 2017's Understated Elegance
In summary, while other vintages boast louder claims to fame, the 2017 Carruades de Lafite should not be overlooked. It’s a testament to the capabilities of Chateau Lafite Rothschild to harness a year muddied with ordeals into a creation that breathes sophistication and longevity—qualities that enchant both the drinker today and investor for tomorrows yet to unfold.
Market price (USD)
$2,400.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
151.54
Scores and tasting notes
A bright Carruades with cedar and tobacco character. Medium to full body and medium chewy tannins. Very pretty center palate.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Carruades de Lafite is quite deep and fleshy at the outset. Black cherry, plum, lavender and rose petal are pushed forward in this dark, racy second wine from Lafite-Rothschild. Deep, textured and beautifully resonant, the 2017 has a lot to recommend it. This is a strong showing. In 2017, Carruades is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Like many of his colleagues, Technical Director Eric Kolher opted for gentle extractions and incorporated a relatively high amount of press wine (14%) into the blend. In 2017, the Carruades is a gorgeous second wine.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and opens with expressive notes of espresso and dark chocolate over a core of cassis, wood smoke and tilled soil plus touches of truffles and black olives. Medium-bodied, very fine-grained and refreshing, it has great poise and a long, savory finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Carruades de Lafite is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it prances out of the glass with joyful notions of black cherries, redcurrant jelly and cassis plus hints of kirsch, cedar chest, pencil lead and a waft of raspberry leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate possesses bags of poise and freshness, dishing out lots of bright red and black fruits with a soft, finely grained frame, finishing long with a skip in its step.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
The 2017 Carruades de Lafite has a fine, quite pure bouquet, perhaps showing a little more fruit concentration than the Duhart-Milon at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, oyster shell and a touch of black pepper. There is not an enormous depth to this wine, after all it is a deuxième vin, but I appreciate the precision and the brightness towards the finish. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18