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Noncontractual photographs
Vintage | 1997 |
Rating | 85-89 |
Classification | Bordeaux - Second wine |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pauillac |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Price | More than 300 € |
Château | Lafite (Carruades de) |
Country | France |
Gewurstraminer
PAUL JABOULET AINE La Chapelle 1997
Hermitage Rouge
Saint Emilion
Champagne
REMIZIERES Cuvée Emilie Magnum 1997
Hermitage Rouge
DUGAT-PY BERNARD Coeur du Roy 1997
Gevrey Chambertin
DELAS Marquise de la Tourette Magnum 1997
Hermitage Rouge
BAUMARD Clos de Sainte Catherine 1997
Coteaux du Layon
Pauillac
The 1997 Carruades de Lafite (a blend of 32% Merlot, with the rest mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and a small portion of Cabernet Franc) maintains its reputation as one of Bordeaux's better second wines. The color is dark ruby with purple nuances. The wine is soft, fleshy, and round, with more up-front fat than Lafite, but not nearly the length or perfume. Supple, with low acidity, and an easy-going, silky finish, it will drink well between now and 2006.
Lafite's harvest occurred between September 8 (beginning with the Merlot) and October 2. For some Cabernet Sauvignon parcels, there were an exceptional 135 days (the norm being 105-110 days) between the flowering and harvest. This estate, which made a profoundly great 1996, utilized only 28% of its harvest for the 1997 grand vin. Moreover, the selection for the second wine, Carruades, was also severe.
(03-1999) Dark red. Good intensity. Net. Medium intensity. Fruity like strawberry jam. Medium intensity. Fruit associated with wood. Touch a little green. Full of charm, with a runny character, the fruit is permanent and the wine goes through the mouth with great ease, offering flavors of ink on the finish and above all no drying out. Medium persistence. It's good without being complex and it swallows itself.