Carruades de Lafite 2011

The 2011 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soft berry fruit, underbrush, fresh herb and bay leaf characteristics as well as soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a medium-bodied, slightly superficial, but satisfying style suggest this 2011 should be consumed over the next 10-15 years.

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot, the Carruades has quite a voluminous bouquet, much more rounded thanks to that Merlot with blackberry, mulberry and sous-bois. The palate is much rounder and more forward that I was expected with soft, very supple tannins...this will be an approachable Carruades to drink for pleasure rather than intellectual return. Tasted April 2012.

This is a red with chocolate, hazelnut and berry character. It's full- to medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Very well done for the vintage. Better in 2015.

The black fruits on the nose feel quite rich but behind the sweetness the tannins are very firm and structured giving tightness on the mid palate. There is a mix of flavours towards the back cassis and black cherry backed by fresher bilberry. The finish has power but the acidity that comes through gives a lighter fresher feel.

Described by the château as a classic year, the 2011s at Lafite are solid rather than spectacular, partly because it resorted to chaptalisation for the first time since 2007. This is fresh and focused, if a little insubstantial, with attractive cassis fruit, less oak than usual and a slightly firm, dry finish. 5+ years.

Fine ripe blackcurrant fruit that firms up on the palate. It is quite tannic but distinctive and elegant too. Drink 2016-2030.