Carruades de Lafite Rothschild 1988

The story of Carruades de Lafite Rothschild 1988, Pauillac

The history of the Lafite Rothschild estate goes back a long way.

At the end of the 17th century, on a property where vines had already been planted, Jacques de Ségur structured the vineyard and enhanced the estate's reputation. His son Alexandre enlarged the vineyard by marrying the Latour heiress in 1965. Their son Nicolas-Alexandre built Lafite's reputation in the early 18th century. The wine was first appreciated in Versailles, then across the Channel. When he died, Château Lafite was bought by a multitude of owners, all keen to preserve the exceptional quality of this wine and make it ever more prestigious.

It was classified^1er Grand Cru in 1855 under the Goudal family. In 1868, Baron James de Rothschild bought the estate at auction. It has remained in the family ever since.

Carruades de Lafite Rothschild is the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild and therefore enjoys an excellent reputation. Its name comes from the "plateau des Carruades", the name of the parcels acquired in 1985 around Château Lafite.

Grape varieties and characteristics of Carruades de Lafite Rothschild 1988

In the Château Lafite Rothschild vineyard, different grape varieties are grown. The grape varieties are 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot with 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The average age of the vines is 38 years, with a parcel called La Gravière planted in 1886. At Lafite, only 35% of the harvest is reserved for the grand vin. The remainder is destined for the Carruades de Lafite second wine, whose blend is marked by a higher proportion of Merlot.

Château Lafite Rothschild produces the second wine Carruades de Lafite with alcohol levels ranging from 12.5° to 14°. For this 1988 vintage, the alcohol level is 12.5°, offering a nose of redcurrant and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. Characteristic of Carruades de Lafite, we can distinguish aromas of pencil lead.

Other Pauillac wines include those from Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Pontet-Canet and Lynch Bages. We offer other vintages of Carruades de Lafite such as 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012.