Château Lafite Rothschild 'Carruades de Lafite' Pauillac 2023
4.5
HK$1,620
750ml
Bottle
Vintage Character Château Lafite Rothschild 'Carruades de Lafite' Pauillac 2023 expresses the quick decisions required by a variable season. Winter rain replenished water reserves, but a wet spring and humid June brought mildew pressure. Two late heatwaves, in August and early September, accelerated ripening and affected vineyard parcels differently. Some young Cabernet Sauvignon vines had to be harvested before the Merlot, reversing the more usual sequence. The final blend contains only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot this year. Careful selection and an extension of maturation in wooden vats aimed to preserve the vintage's energy, visible in its lively opening and controlled, precise structure.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing Blackberry and blackcurrant emerge gradually from a discreet nose, joined by dried flowers and gentle spice. The palate begins with lightness and energy, then finely outlined tannins bring shape and restrained power. Fruit expands into a generous, silky finish, leaving a bright raspberry echo rather than a heavy impression. This contrast between an agile entry and a fuller close gives the wine its particular appeal. Roast duck, a mushroom-stuffed chicken or grilled lamb cutlets would work well, allowing its dark fruit and floral detail to accompany food without being overwhelmed by strongly sweet sauces.
Winery Background Carruades is the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, named after the plateau beside the château's vineyards. Its identity has developed from selected parcels and blends rather than simply reproducing the grand wine in miniature. Cellar work follows traditional Bordeaux methods, with alcoholic fermentation in wooden, concrete and stainless-steel vats. Gentle pumping-over is adapted to each tank, seeking supple extraction. After malolactic fermentation, French oak barrels made by the group's Pauillac cooperage contribute to maturation. The combination of separate lots, careful selection and an individual élevage allows Carruades to retain its own character within the Lafite family.