Carruades de Lafite 2002

Introduction

Carruades de Lafite 2002 is the highly esteemed second wine of the First Growth estate, Château Lafite Rothschild, located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate's history is remarkably deep, dating back to 1234, though its modern winemaking structure was largely established in the late 17th century by the Ségur family. Acquired by Baron James de Rothschild in 1868, the winery has long maintained a philosophy of producing the most elegant wines in Pauillac, focusing on finesse and aromatic nuances rather than sheer power. Carruades de Lafite specifically takes its name from the Carruades plateau, a group of plots purchased by the chateau in 1845 that sit adjacent to the estate's finest hilltop vineyards.

Wine Description

The 2002 vintage of Carruades is a savory and classic Bordeaux blend, predominantly composed of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It displays a dark red colour and an expressive, dense nose featuring alluring aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, accented by the signature Lafite fragrance of lead pencil shavings, cedar, and chocolate. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied with firm, dense tannins and a tart acidity that provides a sense of freshness and finesse. While leaner and less concentrated than the Grand Vin, it offers a svelte, fleshy texture with lingering flavours of loganberry, black cherry, and loganberry. This vintage was aged for 16 to 20 months in oak barrels, typically using 10% new oak.