Carruades de Lafite Pauillac 2nd Wine 2005

Grape:48% Cabernet Sauvignon - 45% Merlot - 5% Cabernet Franc - 2% Petit Verdot

Sweetness:Dry

Body:Medium-Bodied

Food Match:Roast beef, lamb stew

FORMAT:750ML

Given the refined selection of fine wines after two decades, the Carruades feature characteristics similar to those of the fine wine, but with their own personality linked to a higher percentage of Merlot in its composition, and plots of land that are clearly identified as producing Carruades. The origin of the name comes from the Carruades plateau, the name of a group of plots adjacent to the chateau’s best vineyards, purchased in 1845 by Château Lafite. In the 20th century, the Carruades were marketed separately from Château Lafite before being integrated. The name Carruades adopted as the name of Château Lafite Rothschild’s second wine, was initially called “Moulin des Carruades” before the 1980’s

2005 was the fourth consecutive year to have a deficit in rainfall, but the drought began very early, at the end of May, which allowed the vines to adapt by reducing their leaf area. The very hot weather in June and July gave way to progressively cooler weather in August and the cool nights allowed good acidity levels to be maintained, resulting in slow steady ripening.

Tasting Note:

A year of atypical weather but in the end ideal for the production of healthy, very ripe grapes with wonderful freshness. Complex, slightly exotic nose. Fairly full-bodied, rounded and fleshy on the palate. Long finish with a touch of liveliness.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"Though this is the second wine for Lafite-Rothschild, it is a major wine in its own right, with its dense, powered fruit and a structure obviously built to last. There is sweet, rich fruit and lively vibrant acidity. Imported by Domaines Barons de Rothschild and multiple U.S. importers." — R.V. (6/1/2008) 

91 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
"Good deep red. Pungent aromas of currant, cherry skin, leather, graphite, olive and flowers. Suave, minerally and penetrating, with lovely energy and floral lift. Not at all a fleshy style but classic, vibrant and firmly built, finishing with excellent lift." - Stephen Tanzer (May/Jun '08)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"A classic example of a second wine, the 2005 Carruades de Lafite reveals a dark ruby hue with some pink showing at the rim. The moderately intense nose of graphite, forest floor, and sweet black currant fruit is followed by a medium-bodied, elegant wine with light to moderate tannin. Drink it over the next 10-15 years." - Robert Parker (Apr 2008)

Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Has coffee and chocolate aromas, with hints of ripe fruit. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity, plummy, milk chocolaty aftertaste. The second wine of Lafite Rothschild. Best after 2012." –JS (Mar 31, 2008)