Chateau Lafite, the famous Pauillac property of the Left Bank of the Medoc, began to earn its reputation as a great winemaking estate in the 17th century. Acquiring a strong following in London in the early 18th century, Lafite found its way to the Versailles court, receiving acclaim as the “The King’s Wine”. The reputation did not diminish, achieving a pinnacle when it was ranked a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

On August 8, 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased Chateau Lafite, although he died just three months later leaving Lafite to his three sons. The years that followed were considered a golden age for the estate, producing a rich legacy of remarkable vintages.

Fortunes turned at the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, which were turbulent years. The vines suffered both a phylloxeric crisis and mildew. Then there was organized fraud, World War I, followed by the Great Depression, and finally the occupation of France during World War II. After this difficult period, Baron Elie de Rothschild was entrusted with the recovery of the Lafite estate, leading programs to restore the vineyards and the buildings, as well as becoming an active participant in tasting events and the founding of a regional guild.

The recovery and renewal period at Chateau Lafite was continued by his nephew, Baron Eric de Rothschild, who made great strides forward in the management of the estate and in the replanting and restoration of the vineyards. He also extended the horizons of the Domaines through new acquisitions both in France and abroad.

The 2023 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite is a spectacular Bordeaux blend from the renowned Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This stunning red wine is produced by the esteemed Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, a name synonymous with exceptional quality and finesse.

This Carruades de Lafite is a harmonious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, crafting a wine that is as complex as it is captivating. On pouring, it reveals a deep garnet-purple color that is simply enchanting. A swirl of the glass releases an intoxicating perfume of rose oil and lavender, gradually unveiling a classic core of cassis, fresh plums, and pencil lead. There's a subtle hint of iron-rich red soil, adding an earthy depth to the aromatic profile.

On the palate, this wine is delicately styled, yet brimming with vibrancy. The medium-bodied structure is beautifully balanced against ripe, fine-grained tannins that lend support to the black fruit flavors. The finish is long, fragrant, and utterly enticing, with a sweet echo of ripe berries, cedar, and dried tobacco.

James Suckling rates it highly with 96 points, describing it as a savory, juicy offering with a finish that grows with sweetness of fruit and length. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoes this sentiment, praising its minty blackberries, cassis, and cigar box aromas, creamy texture and long, resonant finish. The Wine Independent applauds its compelling vibrancy and fragrant finish.

Sealed with a traditional cork, this French red wine is an homage to the precision and artisanal craftsmanship of the iconic Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. The 2023 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite offers a taste of the sublime, delivering a Bordeaux blend that is as timeless as it is tasteful.