Carruades De Lafite 1998 (75cl, 13%)

Carruades de Lafite 1998 is the second wine of Château Lafite-Rothschild, a Pauillac Bordeaux blend from the 1998 vintage. It is composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot, from younger vines and specific parcels within the Lafite estate. Château Lafite ages its Grand Vin in 100% new French oak barrels, then uses those once-used barrels the following year for Carruades. The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and plum, followed by cedar, cigar box, pencil shavings, smoke, graphite and vanilla. The palate is powerful and direct, with dark berry fruit, lead pencil and earthy minerality, plus caramel and vanilla from oak; tannins have softened but remain present, framing red berries, leather and smoky tobacco. The finish is long and fine, with graphite, cedar and dried dark fruit.