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Carruades de Lafite (2nd wine of Ch Lafite) 2020

Pauillac, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

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.

Score: 92

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2035 23 February 2023

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.

Score: 91 - 93

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2027-2040 01 June 2021

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.

Score: 90

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2024-2034 08 February 2023

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.

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2024 - 2034 27 May 2021

A baby Lafite with its lead pencil and cassis aromatics as well as beautiful elegance, the 2020 Carruades De Lafite is medium-bodied and has a precise, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. As with all the wines from this incredible château, its balance and elegance are what set it apart, and it's one of the finest second wines out there. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which is a classic blend for this cuvée.

Score: 92 - 94

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 25 May 2021

This is very classically structured with a palate that starts off slowly. Full-bodied and chewy with a soft, creamy texture and a long finish. Savory. A touch austere. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% cabernet franc, the rest petit verdot.

Score: 96 - 97

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 23 May 2021

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.

Score: 91 - 93

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2026 - 2042 20 May 2021

More Merlot than in 2019, but as you find repeatedly in 2020, the Cabernet Sauvignon plays an oversized role in the flavour profile. This has a ton of impact and intensity, coffee and black chocolate with angular tannins that will benefit from softening over ageing. Plenty of Pauillac signature here, with liquorice root and tobacco leaf. A slate texture gives definition to the end of play. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Score: 92

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025 - 2038 18 May 2021

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Intense colour. Fresh and zesty with plenty of sappy fruit. Red- and dark-berry fruit notes provide aromatic appeal. Hint of mint as well. Palate long and lithe but structured with fine but grainy tannin. Power but charm as well. (JL)

Score: 17+

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com 08 May 2021