{"title":"Bordeaux's Luxurious Delights Without the High Price","description":"\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIconic Second Wines: Bordeaux's Luxurious Delights Without the High Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2016-chateau-margaux-pavillon-rouge","title":"2016 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge","description":"\u003c!-- split --\u003e\u003c!-- accordion --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the second wine from one of the most famous, and finest, wineries in the world, Chateau Margaux. One of the original first growths from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Margaux stands alone in its singularity and world-renowned recognition as the reference point in Margaux, and indeed, in Bordeaux.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCritical Reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blackcurrant and floral aromas with brick and hot stones are tantalizing. Flowers underneath it all. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins with beautiful ripeness that highlights the palate. \u003cstrong\u003eSecond wine of Château Margaux. Try after 2024.\u003c\/strong\u003e~95 James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith its dense texture and high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, this is an impressively powerful second wine of Château Margaux. Acidity and dark blueberry flavors are concentrated, with layers of tannins that demand aging. Drink from 2023. ~94 Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux (composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot) bursts forth with exuberant Morello cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents accented by touches of menthol, dark chocolate and garrigue plus a waft of tree bark. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant, vivacious and fresh with satiny tannins and a nice long finish. ~93+ Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery refined and focused, with fine-grained sandalwood and alder accents lining a core of stylish, gently mulled cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. A perfumed lilac note weaves around the fruit on the elegant finish. Approachable now, but buried minerality lurks, and this is sneaky long, so cellaring is easily doable. Best from 2022 through 2035. 8,333 cases made. ~93 Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2016 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux, bottled at the end of June, has a clean, precise bouquet of blackberry, bilberry, \u003cstrong\u003enotes of violet and a hint of orange pith. It gains intensity in the glass with every swirl.\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin and a fine bead of acidity, and it feels linear and compact the moment. Quite saline in the mouth, with a touch of brine toward a finish that is almost broody in style. Very fine, though it might need four to five years to reach its drinking window. ~92 Neal Martin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMargaux's 2016 Pavillon Rouge is a gorgeous, precise wine that will offer plenty of drinking pleasure right out of the gate. Bright red cherry fruit, sweet tobacco and dried herbs are all laced together in this \u003cstrong\u003efinely-knit, inviting wine.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hints of blood orange and mint add an attractive upper register. \u003cstrong\u003eIn 2016, Pavillon Rouge stands out for its persistence and impeccable balance.\u003c\/strong\u003e ~92 Antonio Galloni\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Margaux Pavillon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37532282159280,"sku":"MargPV16","price":238.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0150\/0646\/products\/2016_Chateau_Margaux_Pavillon_Rouge.jpg?v=1728011419"},{"product_id":"2017-chateau-latour-les-forts-de-latour-pauillac","title":"2017 Chateau Latour Les Forts de Latour Pauillac","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2nd Label From Chateau Latour\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Will Age Beautifully\" ~95 James Suckling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Sophisticated and Just So Seamless\" ~Decanter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Certainly Has Some Textbook Château Latour Style\" ~Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping on 12 or More Bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\u003c!-- accordion --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of the most iconic names in wine is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChateau Latour. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis estate\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e is in a class of its own, even among the other four \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bighammerwines.com\/blogs\/news\/first-growth-bordeaux?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=05273b8dc\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.bighammerwines.com\/blogs\/news\/first-growth-bordeaux?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=05273b8dc\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eBordeaux First Growths\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eIt has been the most consistent of them all for over 100 years, producing wines of incredible depth, power, and longevity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThis is one of the oldest properties in the Pauillac appellation,\u003c\/strong\u003e its history goes back to the 14th Century when a fortress was erected there during the Hundred Year's War. Château Latour takes its name from the tower that resides on the property. The original tower was built during the Hundred Years' war, to defend the Garrone estuary. It fell in battle and has since been rebuilt in the same location to house the estate's pigeons. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLes Forts de Latour is the second wine from Chateau Latour.\u003c\/strong\u003e Latour is one of the four\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eoriginal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eGrand Crus from the 1855 Classification. The special history of this estate in Pauillac mirrors the development of the region as a whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn great vintages, the power and energy of Château Latour's wines enable them to continue to develop for several decades with ease. The bouquet and impressions on tasting gradually evolve, becoming increasingly complex, ultimately reaching a peak, after which the tannins soften, and then the wine slowly declines.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeyond the pleasure of drinking them, these wines can produce powerful feelings and unforgettable moments. \u003c\/strong\u003eChâteau Latour is also known for having the ability to produce fine wines even in difficult years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.9% Petit Verdot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCritical Reviews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuicy and spicy with fresh tobacco, redcurrants and crushed stone character. Medium to full body. Medium velvety tannins and a delicious finish.\u003cstrong\u003e Will age beautifully as well. ~95 James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSmells lovely, really aromatic, and shining out of the glass, forward and expressive with clarity and precision on the nose full of red fruit and floral scents. Sleek and crisp, this has energy and lifeforce,\u003cstrong\u003e I love the shape and straightforwardness but it’s the texture that’s so captivating\u003c\/strong\u003e - slightly firm but dense, and chalky tannins give the bounce and cushioning on the palate while the fruit is lean and well-defined. \u003cstrong\u003eSo well worked, and feels careful, controlled, refined, and polished. Sophisticated and just so seamless.\u003c\/strong\u003e Extremely young right now, coiled and tense still, direct from start to finish, it needs to slow down and soften and relax. Lovely pure and perfumed red fruits raspberry and blueberries alongside a slightly sharp, bitter grapefruit edge to the tannins as well as graphite and slate which lingers on the tongue and gives the mighty grip that doesn't let go. \u003cstrong\u003eStylish and enjoyable.\u003c\/strong\u003e 64 PIT, 6.7% press wine. 45.4% production. Harvest 11 September to 4 October. Technical director Hélène Genin. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. ~94 Decanter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis bold, structured wine is packed with blackberry fruits and ripe tannins. Freshness and structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon are very present, giving a crisp edge to the solid backbone. \u003cstrong\u003eThis is a wine for aging\u003c\/strong\u003e. Don't drink before 2023. ~94 Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBright and fresh, featuring floral, cassis and plum aromas and flavors allied to a sleek, iron-tinged frame. Racy tension through the finish lets the fruit play out while the minerality blossoms. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038. ~93 Wine Spectator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAromas of minty berries, cassis and plums mingle with hints of pencil shavings to introduce the 2017 Les Forts de Latour, a medium to full-bodied, suave and elegant wine with attractive depth and purity of fruit, supple tannins and a bright, precise profile. This is a classy Les Forts that will offer a broad drinking window. As readers will remember, it mostly derives from dedicated parcels located further inland from Latour's famous \"Enclos,\" next to Château Haut-Batailley- ~93 Wine Advocate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eShowing consistently, the 2017 Les Forts De Latour has a classic cedar pencil, tobacco, and mineral-driven core that \u003cstrong\u003ecertainly has some textbook Château Latour style.\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant, and balanced, it has fine tannins and outstanding length. It has closed down slightly since I tasted it on release and needs just 2-4 years of bottle age to hit its prime time. \u003cstrong\u003eIt will evolve for 20+ years\u003c\/strong\u003e. ~93 Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtle rim brightening. Subtle toasty aromas, dark cherries, subtle hints of liquorice, floral nuances, inviting bouquet. Medium-bodied, red cherries, fine acidity, cherries in the finish, well developed, delicately salty in the aftertaste, a finesse-rich food companion. ~ 93 Falstaff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2017 Les Forts de Latour conveys airiness on the nose, reflecting the relatively lightest vintage in recent years. Graphite and sous-bois infuse black fruit, offering a slightly welcome herbaceous\/undergrowth tincture. The palate is very well-balanced and will appeal to those seeking a sleeker, lighter style of Pauillac. Not lean by any account, but this Les Fort de Latour is understated, with appealing black pepper and tobacco notes emerging on the finish. Fine. ~92 Vinous\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003carticle id=\"post-111723\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12 col-md-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Chateau Latour Les Forts de Latour","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43840477004011,"sku":"LatourForts17","price":294.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0150\/0646\/files\/2017-Chateau-Latour-Les-Forts-de-Latour-Pauillac.jpg?v=1745298560"},{"product_id":"2020-chateau-carruades-de-lafite-pauillac","title":"2020 Chateau Carruades De Lafite Pauillac","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e98 Point, Chateau Lafite Rothschild's Second Wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e97 Point \"Exceptional\" Vintage ~ Vinous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"It's One of The Finest Second Wines Out There\" ~Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"2020 Carruades is Shaping Up to Be A Gem\" ~Vinous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping on 12 or More Bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\u003c!-- accordion --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarruades De Lafite is Chateau Lafite's stunning second wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChâteau Lafite Rothschild is one of the most esteemed wine properties in the Médoc, and we're sure that if you are a savvy wine drinker you are aware of the reputation of this classified First Growth Chateau. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild is also one of the largest Médoc estates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChâteau Lafite has regularly been listed at the very top of the critic's list throughout history.\u003c\/strong\u003e In 1855 the Château was ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in the famous classification that was prepared for the Universal Exhibition of that year. Even through the centuries, \u003cstrong\u003eLafite is still one of the top wines in the world. Globally, it is considered an icon of luxury wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current owners, the Rothschilds of the famous banking dynasty, bought the property in 1866, but this is a different brand of the family from that which purchased Ch. Mouton-Rothschild. For many years the Rothschilds’ control of Lafite was very much exercised at a distance, compared to the hands-on influence of Baron Philippe at Mouton, but since the Second World War, this has changed somewhat, with the current owner, Eric de Rothschild, presiding over an extensive program of investment in both vineyard and cellar. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name Lafite comes from the Gascon language term “la hite”, which means “hillock”. There were probably already vineyards on the property at the time when the Ségur family organized the vineyard in the 17th century, and Lafite began to earn its reputation as a great winemaking estate. The vineyard consists of three main areas: the hillsides around the Château, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west, and 4.5 hectares in neighboring Saint Estèphe. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe average age of the grapevines is 39 years old\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau Lafite Rothschild’s vineyard encompasses three primary regions: the hillsides surrounding the Château, the neighboring Carruades plateau to the west, and 11 acres within the Saint Estèphe appellation. Spanning 276 acres, the vineyard features a soil composition of fine deep gravel mixed with aeolian sand, resting on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. The well-drained vineyard benefits from optimal sun exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"desc\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2020 is an outstanding vintage for Saint-Julien. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"An exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAging: 16 months in French oak barrels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSee Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReviews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the nose, elegant, offering power (in delicacy\/fine), delicacy, subtlety as well as nice definition, freshness and fine power. Notes of bright boysenberry, bright cherry and more lightly bright cassis combined with hints of plump little red fruits combined with hints of tonka bean, sweet spice and a discreet hint of saffron, tea and toasted hazelnut. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, freshness, good definition, gourmandize, a tangy frame, a nice airy character, aromatic purity, precision as well as finesse, nice precision, elegance and harmony. On the palate it expresses bright cherry, boysenberry and more lightly red fruit notes combined with touches of cornflower, blueberry, star anise as well as nice hints of racy minerality\/fresh grapes, gunflint, saffron, chocolate\/mocha, fine hints of blond tobacco, caramelization and a discreet hint of vanilla (in the background). Good length. The tannins are precise, elegant and racy. A fine chew on the finish\/persistence. ~98-99 VertdeVin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDark ruby garnet, purple reflections, deep core, delicate rim brightening. Somewhat restrained, delicate cassis, ripe dark wild berries, fresh plums, candied orange zest. Complex, tightly meshed, ripe cherries, fine currant, finesse-rich acidity, silky tannins, mineral-salty, very long lasting, a seductive wine of great freshness and delicacy, already very well developed, delicate sweetness on the finish, certain ageing potential for many years to come. ~98 Falstaff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eExotic and ripe nose, almost sweet fruit with prune, cassis, raspberry, chocolate, violet and a gentle toast underneath. Very dense and powerful palate without heaviness, classically built yet with another dimension of ripeness and purity, chewy and very powdery tannin paired with layers of unctuous dark fruit, a hint of some oak derived butterscotch and roasted coffee notes with a bright fresh backbone and a great persistency. ~98 Andreas Larsson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe compelling nose, with its showy notes of lead pencil, tobacco leaf, cedar, cigar box, currants, spice and wet forest leaf comes through easily. The palate is pure silk in texture. Seamlessly moving from the beginning, middle and end, the wine is fresh, bright, long and intense. The purity in the fruit, paired with its energy and lift linger for more than 50 seconds. Refined, elegant, complex and compelling, if you have the patience to wait for 15-20 years before opining a bottle, this is going to be one of the great vintages for Lafite Rothschild. The wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot 12.8% ABV. The harvest took place September 14 - October 4. With yields of 37 hectoliters per hectare, the Grand Vin represents 45% of the harvest. ~98 The Wine Cellar Insider\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e~98 The Wine Independent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~97 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is very classically structured with a palate that starts off slowly. Full-bodied and chewy with a soft, creamy texture and a long finish. Savory. A touch austere. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% cabernet franc, the rest petit verdot. ~96-97 James Suckling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith its elegant tannins and velvety Merlot in the blend, the wine brings out both the richness of the year and its great fruit. Behind it all, there is this \u003cstrong\u003esuperb structure that makes this second wine of Lafite-Rothschild a great wine in its own right.\u003c\/strong\u003e ~94-96 Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA baby Lafite with its lead pencil and cassis aromatics as well as beautiful elegance, the 2020 Carruades De Lafite is medium-bodied and has a precise, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. As with all the wines from this incredible château, its balance and elegance are what set it apart, and \u003cstrong\u003eit's one of the finest second wines out there\u003c\/strong\u003e. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which is a classic blend for this cuvée. ~92-94 Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDeep purple-black in color, the 2020 Carruades de Lafite, like its big sibling, is a little youthfully shy to begin, soon unfurling to offer notes of Morello cherries, raspberry leaves, baked blackberries and spice box, plus suggestions of pencil lead, lavender and Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by velvety tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and lifted. This 2020 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. ~91-93 Wine Advocate\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2020 Carruades de Lafite is so expressive right out of the gate. Sage, mint, dried herbs, tobacco and incense grace the Carruades with gorgeous aromatic presence. A backbone of fine tannins lends energy and direction. Medium in body and impeccably refined, \u003cstrong\u003ethe 2020 Carruades is shaping up to be a gem. ~91-92 Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMore Merlot than in 2019, but as you find repeatedly in 2020, the Cabernet Sauvignon plays an oversized role in the flavour profile. This has a ton of impact and intensity, coffee and black chocolate with angular tannins that will benefit from softening over ageing. Plenty of Pauillac signature here, with liquorice root and tobacco leaf. A slate texture gives definition to the end of play. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. ~92 Decanter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Carruades De Lafite","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44036152983787,"sku":"CCLP20","price":339.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0150\/0646\/files\/2020ChateauCarruadesDeLafitePauillac_e7d4ed2d-d15d-44ed-aaf0-4edbdfecc64b.webp?v=1746422610"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.bighammerwines.com\/collections\/iconic-second-wines-bordeauxs-luxurious-delights-without-the-high-price.oembed","provider":"BigHammerWines.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}