‘A dramatic, ample Lafite, the 2015 is also arrestingly beautiful and vivid.’
Antonio Galloni
When the infamous 1855 Classification took place it was Lafite Rothschild who took top spot, even amongst its other illustrious First Growth siblings. Today its cellars still contain bottles that pre-date even this – as far back as 1797! You certainly shouldn’t wait quite that long until you open a bottle, however, a little patience is advised. The 2015 is composed with characteristic charm. Its rumbling, powerful finish hint at where this wine will go in the future. (Very far indeed!) Beneath the intensity lie dozens of detailed flavours and aromas which will come to the fore with dazzling intensity and detail when afforded some more time in bottle. Utterly delicious, compelling stuff.
The second wine is named after the Carruades plateau from which the grapes are sourced. This fertile land has proven its worth with great aplomb in 2015. The inclusion of more merlot lends it an extra dimension of suppleness and delicacy. This looks to be defined by its energy and vivacity in tension with glossy hedgerow fruits. What better way to indulge in the luxury of Lafite than a case, or two, of each?
Though the price is admittedly high it reflects that this is one of the wines of the vintage.
2015 Château Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Pauillac
£4,350 Per 12 Bottles En Primeur
£2,175 Per 6 Bottles En Primeur
It has a tightly-wound bouquet with black cherries, cassis, cedar and graphite, though it does not quite possess the depth one would have expected the vintage would have bestowed. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, harmonious on the entry and with the oak neatly integrated. There is a very fine grip towards the finish, which has a tangible spicy edge - white pepper with a touch of bay leaf and enough pencil lead to fill a stationery set. The aftertaste is extremely long here, more than a minute when I timed it on my watch. It is an excellent Lafite-Rothschild in the making and it often "finds its voice" only after bottling, so it could ultimately end with a higher score.
Drink 2028 – 2060
94-96/100, Neal Martin
A dramatic, ample Lafite, the 2015 is also arrestingly beautiful and vivid. Expressive floral notes give the dark red and black flavors gorgeous aromatic lift. Today, the new oak is a bit pronounced, but otherwise, this is an exceptional wine. Rose petal, lavender, mint and purplish stone fruits add the last shades of detail.
95-97/100, Antonio Galloni
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2015 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac, Château Lafite Rothschild
£1,250 Per 12 Bottles En Primeur
£625 Per 6 Bottles En Primeur
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.
Drink 2019 – 2028
89-91/100, Neal Martin
The 2015 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.
90-93/100, Antonio Galloni
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