2021 Carruades de Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

DUE OCT 2024

The 2021 Carruades is a dark brooding wine. Dense and plush with quite a bit of tannin presence. Carruades is quite distinctive in 2021. Blue purplish fruit and floral notes show tremendous primary intensity. Bright acids on the finish add an attractive sense of freshness that is quite appealing. The 2021 is a series is a serious Carruades.

91-93 points AG vinous.com

Soft and attractive character to this wine, showing a polished-tannin frame and a juicy center-palate. Medium body with medium, velvety tannins. Juicy. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

94-95 points  jamessuckling.com

Sweet black cherries and plums on the nose with blackcurrant leaf touches. Excellent intensity and vibrancy here, you really feel the energy - acidity is good but you get the rush of fruits and the persistence that says; 'I've got so much life in me and I want to show it off' - this is ready and raring to go! It's well worked with fine tannins and a long finish. The power and structure is there - it's just super explosive at this point. You almost want to enjoy this now, or certainly soon, but it'll go the distance too. Punchy with a joyous spirit! 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2039

92 points Georgina Hindle decanter.com

A strong effort that demonstrates how much progress this bottling has made over the last 10 to 15 years, the 2021 Carruades de Lafite exhibits aromas of sweet berries, pencil shavings, warm spices and nicely integrated oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively intense, it's seamless and refined, delivering plenty of Lafite character.

90-92 points William Kelley robertparker.com

A ton of concentration and hidden power, this is a Carruades that is very Lafite in style, subtle with pencil lead, slate, Pauillac signature, intense but with clear austerity, touches of fennel, rosebud and dried leaf. Mouthwatering, with plenty to get hold of. Has the focus and tunnel vision of Lafite and needs time in bottle, should be at its peak within 10 to 15 years. 1st year organic conversion. 40% of overall production, 34hl/h yields.

91 points Jane Anson janeanson.com