ch lafite carraudes de lafite 2012 750ml

Carruades is the second label wine produced by Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. After fermentation and maceration, the wines are tasted, selected and put together according to their different qualities. This step is very important because this is where we make the difference between the great "Lafite" and the second wine "Carruades de Lafite". The wines are drained off into oak barrels. We use 100% new barrels for the ageing of Lafite. The year after, these same barrels will be used for the Carruades.

Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot

VINTAGE NOTES:
2012 was characterized by difficult weather conditions in the Bordeaux region. After a relatively mild winter, the spring was mostly wet and rainy, especially April, with a hail storm on the 24th. Such conditions hampered fertilization, leading to fears of reduced yields. Work in the vineyard was as vital as ever. June and July alternated heat and humidity. The weather became more stable from the beginning of August, enabling the healthy grapes to finish ripening in good conditions. Nevertheless, there was considerable variation in their degrees of ripeness and a great deal of sorting work was carried out by our teams from the end September.

TASTING NOTES (AT BOTTLING):
Heady, very floral nose with exceptional complexity. On the palate, fine balance on the attack continues with good flavour expression before a fairly long finish with lovely structure, still lively and with a hint of woodiness.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
"Offers a smoky, fleshy feel, with dark plum, charcoal and coffee notes. Features nice grip on the finish, revealing a lingering plum skin feel."
94 points, Wine Spectator

"Barrel sample. This is a rich and soft wine made predominantly from Merlot. The wine has good depth of flavor with fresh black currants and soft tannins."
93 points, Wine Enthusiast

750ml bottle