Carruades de Lafite Rothschild 2021 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Tasting Note Carruades de Lafite Rothschild 2021

Aromas of blackcurrant and redcurrant unfold first, followed by notes of graphite, cedar shavings, and a subtle hint of violet. Merlot lends richness to the mid-palate and, for a Pauillac wine, an unexpectedly round and plump texture, while Cabernet Sauvignon firmly supports the wine’s structure and lengthens the finish. Thanks to the cool vintage and gentle extraction, the tannins are fine and unobtrusive. The acidity is lively. This is a Carruades crafted for connoisseurs of classic wines who long for a more elegant Bordeaux style.

Grape Varieties

In Carruades wines, the proportion of Merlot is usually higher than in the Grand Vin, and 2021 was no exception. Merlot brings fullness of flavor and the freshness of red berries to the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, which remains the primary component, gives the wine structure, notes of black currant, and the graphite undertones characteristic of Pauillac. A small amount of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc adds roundness to the blend. Carruade’s vineyards are located a short distance from the Gironde River, creating favorable conditions for growing Merlot, and it is precisely these geographical features that account for the wine’s rounded character.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2045. It will take a few more years for the tannins to fully mellow, and the fresh acidity of the 2021 vintage will allow for longer aging compared to warmer years, such as 2018 or 2019. Store the wine at a stable temperature of 12–14 °C in a horizontal position, protected from light. 

About Chateau Lafite Rothschild

When Baron James de Rothschild bought the estate in 1868, Lafite was already at the top of the 1855 classification. Today, the estate is managed by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, and Saskia de Rothschild took over as chairwoman in 2018. Lafite Rothschild is the most restrained of the Pauillac First Growths, almost Burgundy like. Terroir & Climate Lafite Rothschild is characterized by deep gravel deposits overlying Tertiary limestone and marl. Why it matters. The gravel drains quickly and retains heat, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon roots to grow deeper in search of water and for the grapes to ripen evenly. The estate sits on a gravel mound, known locally as a croupe, which rises gently above the surrounding land. The nearby estuary of the Gironde mitigates the frosts and summer heat.

Lafite Rothschild's signature technique is to age the wine for 18-20 months in primarily French oak. The barrels are from the in-house Tonnellerie des Domaines workshop, and the toast and grain are specially selected for this wine. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats, stainless steel and concrete tanks, and malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks before transfer to barrels. Concentration and restraint. This is the hallmark of Lafite Rothschild.

Terroir & Climate

To the west of the château lies the Carruades plateau. A layer of gravel, up to 10 meters thick in some places, lies atop a deep layer of limestone. The roots penetrate deep into the soil in search of moisture and nutrients, and it is this struggle that concentrates the flavor of the fruit. Carruades is located farther from the Gironde River than the slopes surrounding the château, and its soil composition favors the growth of the Merlot variety. Thanks to the gravel's excellent drainage properties, the vines do not become waterlogged even in rainy years such as 2021. 

Winemaking

Fermentation takes place over approximately 15 days at a temperature of 26–27 °C using wooden, stainless steel, and concrete tanks. Temperature control at this stage is of the utmost importance. Excessively high temperatures lead to the formation of harsh and immature tannins in the Pauillac Cabernet. When properly controlled, the tannins mature and develop a robust structure. After malolactic fermentation, all barrels undergo individual tasting. This blend includes lots unsuitable for the Grand Vin, as well as lots that fit the Carruades style. Aging takes place in French oak barrels crafted in the estate's own cooperage in Pauillac, with a lower proportion of new barrels than in the “Grand Vin.”

Food Pairing

"Carruades" possesses the robust structure characteristic of Pauillac, yet has a softer flavor than “Grand Vin,” which broadens the range of dishes with which it pairs well.
Serve at 18 °C. Pairs well with beef ragout. Decant the wine 60–90 minutes before serving.

• Roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic—a classic pairing for Pauillac
• Ribeye seasoned only with salt—the fat in the beef softens the tannins
• Duck breast braised in red wine sauce
• Aged Comté cheese or hard sheep’s-milk cheeses