Château Carruades de Lafite 1999
Château Carruades de Lafite 1999 is the second red wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, crafted in Pauillac, Bordeaux, by Domaines Barons de Rothschild. Its blend brings together 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The Wine Advocate awards it 89/100 and describes a wine with notes of graphite, cassis, and cedar, featuring an ample texture, medium body, and a long finish. The indicated drinking window spans from 2003 to 2015.
Identité du vin
- Couleur
- Red
- Pays
- France
- Région
- Bordeaux
- Appellation
- Pauillac
- Producteur / Domaine
- Château Lafite Rothschild
- Cuvée
- Carruades de Lafite
Cépage et assemblage
- Grape Variety
- 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite Rothschild is a wine estate in Pauillac, classified as a Premier Grand Cru in 1855. Its 112-hectare vineyard is spread across the hillsides surrounding the château, the Carruades plateau and a plot located in Saint-Estèphe. Acquired in 1868 by Baron James de Rothschild, it still belongs to the Rothschild family as part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite).
- Owner
- Famille Rothschild, via Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
- Maître de chais
- Eric Kohler, directeur technique
- Surface (ha)
- 112.00 ha
Histoire du domaine
The Lafite estate is recorded as a wine producer as early as 1234. The estate is situated on a gravelly ridge in Pauillac, the name of which is thought to derive from ‘La Hite’, a Gascon term meaning ‘hill’. In 1855, Château Lafite was listed amongst the Premiers Grands Crus in the Médoc wine classification. Baron James de Rothschild acquired the property in 1868. The château then took the name Château Lafite Rothschild. Since that acquisition, the descendants of James de Rothschild have ensured the continuity of the estate across several generations. Saskia de Rothschild, a member of the sixth generation, is currently chair of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). The technical management of Château Lafite Rothschild is overseen by Eric Kohler, who is also technical director at Château Duhart-Milon.
Carruades de Lafite
Carruades de Lafite is the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, marketed under the Pauillac appellation. This blend notably comes from vines under ten years old and plots specifically dedicated to its production. It generally includes more Merlot than the Grand Vin, followed by Cabernet-Sauvignon and sometimes Cabernet Franc.
- Origin of the cuvée name
- The name comes from the Carruades plateau, a lieu-dit comprising plots adjacent to the Château Lafite Rothschild gravel ridge.
- Style of the cuvée
- A Pauillac close to the identity of the Grand Vin, yet possessing a distinct personality linked to a generally higher proportion of Merlot: a balance between finesse, structure, and restrained power.
- Position within the range
- Second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, positioned below the Grand Vin and above Anseillan within the estate's range.
Histoire de la cuvée
The Carruades plateau was acquired at the end of the 19th century. Its wine was initially produced separately, before the grapes from its plots were integrated into the Grand Vin blend. The name Carruades was subsequently given to a new, distinct blend, now marketed under the name Carruades de Lafite.
