Wine Enthusiast -Pauillac, Bordeaux, France- ""With its 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a wine that is structured while marked with intense black currants. It has firm tannins and just a touch of wood. It is classic upright Bordeaux with its fine acidity and dry tannins."

Very sleek and refined, with flavors of silky-edged cassis and cherry preserves that are pure and persistent, backed by light pepper, bay, black tea and iron notes on the finish. Nearly accessible already, but has the drive for cellaring. Best from 2018 through 2030. 14,000 cases made.

The tannins in the 2014 Carruades de Lafite are nearly buried by the richness of the fruit. Even so, the wine needs at least a few years in barrel, as it is pretty tightly wound at this stage. The combination of plush dark fruit and bright acidity is compelling. Hints of blood orange, flowers and spices hint at what the Grand Vin will o!er in time. The blend is 58 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 42 % Merlot. Carruades de Lafite represents 25 % of the château's production.

The 2014 Carruades de Lafite has a crisp, tightly wound, blackberry scented bouquet that continues to demonstrate that attractive tarry tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple opening, notes of blackberry and mulberry fruit, a dash of white pepper, though it just feels a little blocky on the finish at the moment, so I might be inclined to afford this another couple of years in the cellar.