1997 Carruades de Lafite
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Carruades de Lafite (a blend of 32% Merlot, with the rest mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and a small portion of Cabernet Franc) maintains its reputation as one of Bordeaux's better second wines. The color is dark ruby with purple nuances. The wine is soft, fleshy, and round, with more up-front fat than Lafite, but not nearly the length or perfume. Supple, with low acidity, and an easy-going, silky finish, it will drink well between now and 2006. Lafite's harvest occurred between September 8 (beginning with the Merlot) and October 2. For some Cabernet Sauvignon parcels, there were an exceptional 135 days (the norm being 105-110 days) between the flowering and harvest. This estate, which made a profoundly great 1996, utilized only 28% of its harvest for the 1997 grand vin. Moreover, the selection for the second wine, Carruades, was also severe.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A very grapey red with berry, cherry character. Full- to medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A bit hollow. Second wine of Lafite. Best after 2000.-James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2000
The 1997 Carruades de Lafite (a blend of 32% Merlot, with the rest mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and a small portion of Cabernet Franc) maintains its reputation as one of Bordeaux's better second wines. The color is dark ruby with purple nuances. The wine is soft, fleshy, and round, with more up-front fat than Lafite, but not nearly the length or perfume. Supple, with low acidity, and an easy-going, silky finish, it will drink well between now and 2006. Apr 1998, www.robertparker.com
Good full red. Fruit-driven aromas are complicated by floral and licorice nuances. Fairly sweet and ripe in the middle palate, with tobacco, spice and licorice flavors of noteworthy purity. Very Pauillac in its dry, penetrating flavor, but I found this sweeter than the Duhart-Milon tasted alongside it.
About the producer
Ch. Lafite Rothschild is one of the most famous wine estates in Bordeaux and the world. One of the Left Bank’s five First Growths, the Pauillac property is renowned for producing wines of finesse and elegance that age beautifully.