The name created a mad rush for registration, and I made it with my wife. After a refreshing Dourthe No1 2015(100% Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux Blanc) with massive citrus aromas surrounding passion fruit, we were confronted with the following:
- 1996 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
- 1998 LR
- 1999 LR
- 2004 LR
- 2000 Carruades de Lafite
- 2004 CdL
- 2006 CdL
Our cellar master decided that it was not going to be a blind test. Wonder why.
The '96 started with a wonderfully elegant nose of black cherry, pencil, smoked meats, dried herbs, elegant because all senses seemed to merge into a smooth bouquet. The palate followed suit with a smooth full flavoured cassis, plum, spices merged into silky tannins. I had visions of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse gliding across the floor in their famous quick step. And such long finish!
Next came the '98 and surprise! I had trouble distinguish it from the previous drop, nose and palate alike. Another gorgeous drop, elegant to the max and so smooth. The next two LR gave me the similar result, even the 2004. Tasting notes from WS basically confirmed my feeling with the addition the younger wine just seemed to come join the party.
The Carruades are No2 in the Lafite hierarchy. They exhibited similar elegance and goodness to the LR, except for the shorter finish. Now I understood the need for open tasting.
My verdict actually created a few enemies! I thought the wine was boring. The '98 and the '99 Grange were entirely different from each other. So was the '99 HoG we had earlier. Apparently LR winemakers work to blend Cab and Merlot in order to achieve the signature LR taste every vintage. Other suggest that at about 20 yrs of age the wine was still to young for secondary/tertiary flavour to emerge. WS suggest the drink to date of 2050. One can only wonder!