| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Lafite Rothschild
There are 20,000 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Carruades de Lafite. Despite record heat in June, July and August, this wine only hit 12.8% alcohol, which seems modest compared to the higher alcohol levels of 2009 and 2010. A final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a second wine with a Lafite Rothschild-like character, plenty of creme de cassis, cedarwood and graphite notes as well as a supple, lush texture. It has reached full maturity where it should remain for another 5-10 years. Drink 2014-2024
Sweet plum and silky tannins. Long and pretty. Almost 92-94 points.
Glowing crimson. Sweet biscuit/toasty oaky nose. Rather specious appeal. Sweet but drying tannins. (Average group score: 15.3)
A spectacular value as well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 135,000-bottle cuvee of 2003 Carruades de Lafite (50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc). This amazing effort rivals such superb second wines as the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion and 1982 Forts de Latour. A serious red, it is sexy, opulent, rich, and luscious with silky tannin, enormous body, and wave after wave of mocha-infused black cherry and cassis fruit. It is almost too good to be believed. While drinkable now, it should evolve for 12-15 years or longer.
A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, this wine exhibits jammy sweet red and black currants, low acidity, a plump, fleshy, open-knit personality, and a lush, heady finish. It should drink well for at least 10-15 years.
The 2003 Carruades de Lafite, an outstanding second wine, is one of the few 2003s in which I detected roasted characteristics in the bouquet. This fat, broad, fleshy, succulent effort should drink well for 10-15 years.
My favourite Carruades for some time.
