At a glance

Producer

Château Carruades de Lafite

Region

Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250-$350 per bottle

Tasting profile

Notes of cassis, blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and earthy undertones with youthful tannins

Evolution: Expected to develop more complex secondary and tertiary aromas of tobacco, cedar, leather, and truffle over next 5-10 years

At peak: At peak will display harmonious balance between ripe fruit, evolved earthiness, and smooth silky tannins

Structure

Acidity

Balanced acidity providing freshness and longevity

Tannins

Firm and well-structured, typical of Pauillac Cabernet blends

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5%-14%

Aging potential

30-40 years from vintage if cellared correctly

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2048

Optimal window

2024 to 2051

Current status

Approaching early maturity with some accessibility

Current condition

Still fresh with primary fruit and developing secondary complexity

2016 was an excellent Bordeaux vintage with near-ideal growing conditions producing highly structured and age-worthy wines. Carruades de Lafite, as a prestigious second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, benefits from a wine style designed to age 30+ years. The drinking window reflects the vintage quality plus the reputation of the producer’s strict selection and blending.

Food pairing

Rich red meats like lamb, roasted duck, aged cheeses, beef stew, and dishes with mushroom or truffle complement this wine's structure and complexity.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and open up aromas for optimal enjoyment

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water conservation techniques, energy-efficient winery operations, waste reduction, reforestation projects on estate

Château Carruades de Lafite is part of the prestigious Lafite estate which has been progressively integrating sustainability measures including responsible viticulture, energy and water use reduction, and waste management. While not fully organic or biodynamic, their approach reflects balanced stewardship within a high-end Bordeaux context. The global export distribution contributes to carbon footprint, although packaging is optimized for reduced impact.