The 2023 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite is a Bordeaux blend composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, crafted in the renowned Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This vintage is notable for its absence of Petit Verdot and Franc, a deviation from traditional blends. The wine is bottled with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 13.2%.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 96 points, describing it as "savory and juicy" with "notes of ripe berry, cedar, and dried tobacco." He adds that it is reminiscent of Lafite from the 1980s but with more precision and "fine tannins at the end." Suckling emphasizes its "sweetness of fruit and length," making it a standout in his review (jamessuckling.com).
William Kelley of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 93 points. He highlights its "aromas of minty blackberries, cassis, and cigar box," and praises its "medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate). Kelley notes that the wine's "generous core of fruit" largely conceals its "powdery structuring tannins," concluding with a "long, resonant finish."
Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent rated the wine 94 points, describing it as "deep garnet-purple in color" with a "beautiful perfume of rose oil and lavender." She appreciates its "compelling vibrancy and nice, ripe, fine-grained tannins," calling it "very pretty" (The Wine Independent).
Antonio Galloni of Vinous also awarded a 94-point score, emphasizing the wine's "succulent red plum, spice, cedar, and tobacco" notes. He admires its "pure and direct" nature and describes it as "a very pretty, sensual wine" that captures the personality of the Grand Vin (Vinous).
Jane Anson, Jeff Leve, Jeb Dunnuck, and Decanter all gave the wine a score of 94 points. Anson describes it as "fairly austere right now" but "structured" and "concentrated," while Leve appreciates its "bright, fresh, charming" nature. Dunnuck highlights its "overall purity, balance, and length," and Decanter praises its "energy and liveliness" with "punchy red fruits."
Overall, the 2023 Carruades de Lafite is highly acclaimed across the board, with reviewers highlighting its complex aromas, balanced palate, and promising aging potential.