Carruades de Lafite is hugely popular because it is made from the same terroir, using the same wine-making team, as the Lafite Rothschild Grand Vin (first wine). The only difference is that the plots generally used for Carruades contain more Merlot vines.

Carruades de Lafite 2020 displays the balance and elegance consistently delivered by Château Lafite Rothschild. The 2020 is “one of the finest second wines out there” according to Jeb Dunnuck (92-94 points). Carrying “plenty of Pauillac signature” (Jane Anson), the 2020 vintage offers notes of “Morello cherries, raspberry leaves, baked blackberries and spice box, plus suggestions of pencil lead, lavender and Provence herbs”, concluding with a “long and lifted” finish (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 91-93 points). Drinking well out to 2042

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 93/100

Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite, like its big sibling, is a little youthfully shy to begin, soon unfurling to offer notes of Morello cherries, raspberry leaves, baked blackberries and spice box, plus suggestions of pencil lead, lavender and Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by velvety tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and lifted. This 2020 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.