The vintage
2016 was characterized in Bordeaux by a very uniform climate, resulting in a good quality vintage for the entire region. Bud break occurred around the normal time, although the spring was rather rainy and cold. June was particularly overcast and cool, but flowering nevertheless took place in good conditions.
The summer was hot and very dry, almost too dry at the beginning of September, with ripening becoming hindered in some cases due to water stress. Lafite’s superb terroir was perfectly able to cope with these conditions, and to wait for the welcome rain on 13 September. This created optimal conditions for the final ripening of the grapes, ready to reach exceptional levels of maturity.
The summer was hot and very dry, almost too dry at the beginning of September, with ripening becoming hindered in some cases due to water stress. Lafite’s superb terroir was perfectly able to cope with these conditions, and to wait for the welcome rain on 13 September. This created optimal conditions for the final ripening of the grapes, ready to reach exceptional levels of maturity.
Varietals
Merlot : 49%
Cabernet sauvignon : 44%
Cabernet franc : 5%
Petit verdot : 2%
Cabernet sauvignon : 44%
Cabernet franc : 5%
Petit verdot : 2%
Tasting
Beautiful dark red violet colour. Very appealing nose with notes of red fruit dominated by cherry. There are also notes of tobacco, which is quite unusual at this stage of the ageing process.
On the palate, the wine quickly opens up, which is often the case for Les Carruades due to its higher proportion of Merlot. It rapidly develops a full-bodied character, with exceptional balance. The complementarity between the four grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is perfect, offering a very pleasant, well-structured mid-palate. The finish brings refined, slightly salty, mineral notes.
On the palate, the wine quickly opens up, which is often the case for Les Carruades due to its higher proportion of Merlot. It rapidly develops a full-bodied character, with exceptional balance. The complementarity between the four grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is perfect, offering a very pleasant, well-structured mid-palate. The finish brings refined, slightly salty, mineral notes.