The vintage
The vintage was so early that all through the year we had been preparing for a harvest at the end of August! For Carruades, much of which comes from the youngest vines, one day destined for Lafite, the storms after véraison were a blessing: thanks to them, we did not see any signs of water stress in the grapes, sometimes seen in previous years. In 2020, the Carruades blend has benefited from the presence of our large plots of Merlot such as Grande Horte, Barat, Gandeau. These plots are our hopes for the future, which we prepare each year to reach the level of Lafite... and which flourish in Carruades while awaiting their turn. With 42% Merlot, the vintage marks a return to a high percentage of Merlot in Carruades.
Varietals
Cabernet sauvignon : 52%
Merlot : 42%
Cabernet franc : 3%
Petit verdot : 3%
Merlot : 42%
Cabernet franc : 3%
Petit verdot : 3%
Tasting
Carruades is an intense brilliant crimson red in colour.
Its nose, discreet at first, quickly gives off aromas of redcurrants and raspberries, supported by subtle notes of mint and liquorice. The attack on the palate is silky with great finesse, surprisingly fresh for a solar vintage. A good dense tannic structure persists throughout the tasting, with a finish that is still discreet but full of promise.
Its nose, discreet at first, quickly gives off aromas of redcurrants and raspberries, supported by subtle notes of mint and liquorice. The attack on the palate is silky with great finesse, surprisingly fresh for a solar vintage. A good dense tannic structure persists throughout the tasting, with a finish that is still discreet but full of promise.