2006 Carruades de Lafite

The second wine, which has soared in quality over the last decade, is an outstanding effort displaying a character similar to that of Lafite, without the size, depth, and aging potential of that wine. The 2006 Carruades de Lafite offers up aromas of graphite, cedar, black currants, sweet cherries, and smoky herbs. This complex, more evolved, medium-bodied, silky-textured, sexy offering will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years.

48% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Mid purple with wide rim. Relatively lightweight, strict nose. Pretty brutal but with a slightly marine note. Very dry and pretty dense, dominated by very fine tannins. Some lift though not as much as usual. A bit chunky and strict. Does taste a bit like offcuts though with Lafite grace. Lift and good integrity. Delicate finish. Very clean. Acidity and greenness not at all in evidence. (JR)

(48% each merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with 2.5% cabernet franc and 1.5% petit verdot) Bright ruby-red. Fruit-driven aromas of currant and cherry lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and firm on the palate, with complex flavors of currant, minerals, flowers, dark chocolate and currant leaf. The wine's acid spine and slight greenness give it a very fresh, vibrant character and contribute to the impression of structure. Finishes firmly tannic, with moderate persistence.