2022 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 'Carruades de Lafite' 6 bottles case

The 2022 Carruades de Lafite is the distinguished second wine of the legendary Château Lafite Rothschild, one of Bordeaux’s most revered First Growth estates. With origins dating back to the 17th century, Lafite has long been synonymous with elegance and finesse. Its reputation was cemented in the 1855 Classification, and its name became a symbol of prestige across Europe, even gracing the court of Louis XV. Today, the Rothschild family continues to uphold this legacy with meticulous vineyard care, precision in vinification, and a commitment to excellence that places Lafite among the world’s finest estates.

Carruades de Lafite takes its name from the plateau of Carruades, a parcel adjacent to the Grand Vin vineyards, integrated into the estate in the 19th century. This terroir, with its gravelly soils and ideal exposure, contributes to a wine of remarkable balance and character, while offering a more approachable expression of Lafite’s grandeur. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. It was vinified parcel by parcel, then aged in French oak barrels, part new and part seasoned, ensuring refinement and harmony.

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby hue and an aromatic bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry, elevated by floral notes of violets and crushed rose petals. Subtle secondary and tertiary layers emerge: cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, forest floor, and warm spices, all hallmarks of Lafite’s Pauillac pedigree. On the palate, it is supple yet structured, with juicy black fruit at the core, fine-grained tannins, and a long, mineral-driven finish that lingers with elegance and freshness.

Critics have acclaimed the 2022 Carruades de Lafite for its precision and charm, noting its ability to combine accessibility with serious ageing potential. A wine of refinement and sophistication, it offers collectors the rare chance to experience the soul of Lafite Rothschild in a form that is both immediately enjoyable and capable of graceful evolution over the next two decades.