Carruades de Lafite
Presentation
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
The vintage
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.
Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.
Terroir
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is located to the North of the Pauillac appellation, bordering Saint-Estèphe. The vineyard consists of three main areas : the hillsides around the Château, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west, and 4.5 hectares in Saint Estèphe appellation. The vineyard covers 112 hectares with soil made up of fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. It is well-drained and benefits from optimal sun exposure.
Vinification
Pumping over and maceration times were adjusted for each vat, depending on the origin of the plot and the tannins' degree of ripeness.
18 months in barrels (10% new) from the Tonnellerie des Domaines.
Tasting
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.
Alcohol content
12.5
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 56 %
Merlot
: 38 %
Cabernet franc
: 3,50 %
Petit verdot
: 2,50 %