2025, Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac

2025 is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.The 2025 Carruades de Lafite has quite an understated bouquet that needs a little more encouragement than usual. Blackberry, pencil box and light estuarine scents gradually unfurl. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with sapid black fruit on the entry, gentle grip, wonderful balance and plenty of freshness and brightness on the finish. What a superb Carruades. 2030-2050. 92-94 Neal Martin, Vinous.The energy in the glass in immediately in evidence, richly fragrant autumnal berry fruit, great lift through the palate, mouthwatering on the finish, good balance, chalky, slate-filled tannins, classic, balanced, slate and pumice stone, lots of cassis and bilberry fruit. 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux.Upfront and instantly so welcoming and friendly and fun, bright, lively, full on acidity kicks off the expression – so lifted with the focus on the pure fruit. Salty undercurrent that gives such an incredible contrast to the ripe strawberry fruit. But this is also lacking no richness – it’s got muscles, power, concentration and such capacity to age. Fabulous. 95 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.