In Bond Fine Wine. 1996 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Second wine • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 88/100 (JS). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 16/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 18/10/2006 · Drink 2006-2016
Watery rim and rather low-key nose that opened out to strong mineral elements. Neat and plummy and inky on the palate but with a very appetising dry finish. Velvety texture - lots of interest buried in here, not to mention some very ripe tannins still doing their stuff.
Robert Parker (RP) — 86–88/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/02/1998 · Drink 2000-2020
I have noticed in my tastings that the second wine of Lafite-Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite, has improved over recent years. The 1996, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, may turn out to be the finest Carruades I have ever tasted. It possesses as much power, ripeness, and fleshy fruit (because of the high percentage of Merlot) as I have ever detected in this offering. While it does…
James Suckling (JS) — 88/100 · Wine Spectator, 01/01/2007
Aromas of currant and cigar box. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Ready to go.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective.