Carruades de Lafite 2022

A bouquet marked by red fruits, violets, light tobacco, and cool stone; on the palate, elegant and effortlessly light, with a wonderful balance of structure and delicate fruit, firm, with bite, harmonious, and very long on the finish.

Cherry aromas burst from the glass—bright, open, and inviting—layered with bitter chocolate, tobacco, cedar, and a subtle spice. The texture is remarkable: deep yet soft, with seamlessly integrated tannins that provide a silky powderiness, filling the mouth with both volume and finesse. A serious wine, yet it retains an effortless energy, its vibrant acidity lifting waves of red cherry and strawberry. Layered, lively, and utterly gorgeous, this is a Carruades that shines with classicism and charm. 16% press wine.

Attractive, showing blackcurrants, lead pencil and flowers such as lavender and violets on the nose, as well as tobacco. Medium-bodied and juicy with firm and linear tannins that are rather endless. Impressive stones and chalkiness. Excellent length and crunchiness. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Drink in three or four years.

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Relatively complex nose with dark fruit and spice prominent. Energy and tension on the palate, so freshness. Zesty for the year. Comfortable tannic structure. Should be intriguing as it opens. (JL)

Dark ruby, opaque, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Fine black cherries, hints of nougat, Black Forest berries, a hint of strawberry confit, very seductive bouquet. Juicy, precise, fine texture, some fruitiness, great freshness, fine tannins, well-balanced and long-lasting, mineral aftertaste, certain ageing potential, but can also be enjoyed young. (01/2025, +30).

The 2022 Carruades De Lafite is beautifully balanced and has that classic Lafite elegance in its aromatics and overall mouthfeel. Sweet cassis, violets, spring flowers, and cedar notes all emerge on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, has a balanced, elegant texture, and beautifully integrated tannins. As with the Grand Vin, it brings ample richness and depth while holding onto a beautiful sense of freshness. Drink this brilliant second wine over the coming two decades.

Delicate bouquet, fresh morello cherry juice, subtle violet perfume, cooled rosehip tea and light tobacco. On the taut, complex palate with a silky texture, perfectly supporting acidity, a noble mineral core and a well-trained body. In the concentrated, long-lasting finish, pure red cherry fruit, tarragon, dark minerality and elevated astringency.

The vintage is marked by intense spice, with cassis, chocolate, mandarin, greengage, dense tannic architecture, with welcome mint leaf and raspberry pip freshness on the finish. You need to sit with this, allow the floral aromatics to uncurl, a bitter edge on the finish. A serious, almost sombre Carruades at this point, will reward ageing. 16% press wine, 38% Carruades of overall production. 3.75 pH.

The elegance of the bouquet speaks volumes about the ambitions of Carruades, with a beautiful symbiosis of red and black berry notes complemented by subtle woody and spicy nuances. Lively on the attack, the wine reveals itself with delicacy, step by step. It seems almost shy at first, before unveiling a structure worthy of a marathon specialist. The tannins are fine yet powerful. They’re not exactly fleshy, but muscular and in tune with the wine’s structural temperament. A Carruades that unfolds in stages and has the merit of singing the praises of its big brother. It lays the groundwork, with horizons as promising for itself as for its elder. It will need a little patience!

Lovely, intense and precise nose with a clean, taut grain. Beautiful finesse in both texture and power. You find notes of pulpy raspberry, blackberry and, more delicately, violet, combined with touches of Bigarreau cherry and a discreet, almost plum-like hint. The palate is beautifully handled—supple, fresh, mineral, elegant, airy and pleasantly mellow. Juicy and pulpy with great elegance. Lovely energy. On the palate, this wine reveals notes of pulpy blackcurrant, bright/pulpy red cherry and, more subtly, small bright red berries, with a near-rhubarb touch, juicy/pulpy purple plum, as well as hints of tobacco, toast and a fine touch of tonka bean. A charming, soft feel and indulgence. Good length and lovely persistence. Attractive brightness and elegance.

Very dark colour. Intense, refined, subtle, noble and complex nose. The palate is immediately airy and melting, developing very aromatic, juicy notes before taking on a slightly more tannic touch without lingering. Good fresh length. Blend: 53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, 3% petit verdot. Alcohol: 13.7% - pH: 3.80.

Tobacco leaf, flowers, cedar, and currants fill the perfume. The palate is fresh, vibrant, and supple, with juicy currants accompanied by a spicy touch; there is length and purity, with a gorgeous, sapid finish. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine accounts for roughly 35% of the harvest. Drink from 2027–2045.

A delicate cassis note on the nose, unfolding with quiet confidence and serene energy. On the palate, the wine is full and voluminous yet weightless and melting, with a vibrant freshness of fruit and minerality that elevates the whole in an electrifying surge.

An impressive wine, this has energy and richness. It is layered with full tannins and packed with black fruits. The mint and spice aromas and great fruit give a wine that has a fine future. Drink from 2027.