CARRUADES de LAFITE 2022 PAUILLAC Second Wine of Château Lafite 75 cl

Description

Carruades de Lafite 2022: The Historic Second Wine of a Bordeaux First Growth

Carruades de Lafite 2022 is a red Bordeaux wine produced by Château Lafite Rothschild, one of the five estates classified as First Growths in the historic Bordeaux classification of 1855.

Located in the northern part of the Pauillac appellation, Château Lafite Rothschild has belonged to the Rothschild family since 1868.

Carruades de Lafite is the estate's second wine, produced from a selection of vineyard plots and barrels that express a distinctive interpretation of Lafite's terroir.

Its name originates from the Carruades plateau, a historic vineyard area situated close to the château's most prestigious parcels.

The plateau is characterised by deep clay-gravel soils, which provide drainage while retaining sufficient moisture to support vine growth during dry periods.

These geological conditions are particularly suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety in the 2022 blend.

The composition of Carruades de Lafite 2022 is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and aromatic intensity, while Merlot brings roundness and a generous fruit character.

Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend, adding further aromatic complexity and depth.

The 2022 growing season presented several challenges.

A frost episode in early April was followed by favourable spring growth and substantial rainfall in June.

During the summer, prolonged drought and successive heatwaves placed the vineyards under considerable water stress.

Despite these conditions, the estate achieved excellent grape ripeness, and harvesting began on 1 September.

Winemaking follows traditional Bordeaux methods, with alcoholic fermentation carried out in wooden, concrete and stainless steel vats.

Gentle pumping-over is used to control extraction according to the characteristics of each individual batch.

Maceration lasts approximately twenty days, allowing the development of colour, structure and tannins.

Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels produced by the estate's own cooperage in Pauillac.

Ageing lasts approximately sixteen months, contributing to the wine's aromatic integration and texture.

The 2022 vintage offers an expressive bouquet dominated by blackcurrant and raspberry, complemented by subtle mint notes.

On the palate, the wine is generous and concentrated, with a silky mouthfeel and finely integrated tannins.

The combination of ripe fruit, structure and freshness creates a harmonious balance.

The finish is elegant and persistent, suggesting considerable potential for development in bottle.

Carruades de Lafite 2022 can be served at approximately 16–18°C and paired with roast lamb, grilled beef or game.

Its distinctive character reflects both the exceptional 2022 vintage and the careful vineyard selection and winemaking practices of Château Lafite Rothschild.