2015 Carruades de Lafite (Pauillac)

The 2015 Carruades de Lafite is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. This has a satisfying purity on the nose: blackberry and briary, a distant, cold slate-like note just underneath, with the new oak (close to 20%) neatly subsumed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is moderate depth to this slightly foursquare and conservative Carruades, but there is also plenty of freshness and it has an appealing, unassuming finish that is both harmonious and precise. Probably one of the most approachable deuxième vins, afford this 2-3 years in bottle before broaching. 89-91 points

A discreet nose of real finesse with the Lafite violets prettily present. While it seems on the light side now, time in barrel will add structure. 91 points

Relatively light crimson. Light, rather timid nose. Drying tannins on the end. Very pretty and polite but not at all dramatic! 16.5 points

Making up 35% of the total production at Lafi te in 2015 (25% was declassified), this is a beautifully restrained second wine that was picked comparatively early to retain acidity. The freshness of this wine was a relief after tasting some of the vintage’s more extracted wines. Drink: 2020-28. 94 points

The2015 Carruades de Lafite is a very pretty second wine. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2015 Carruades is super-expressive today. Graphite, plum, black cherry, lavender and licorice are all nicely delineated throughout. The higher presence of Merlot gives the Carruades lovely inner sweetness and perfume. This is very nicely done. 90-93 points