1998 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac

Vinous 88+

Ruby-red. Red berries and mint on the reticent nose. Juicy, leanish and a bit closed in on itself, with slightly green flavors of dark berries and minerals. Quite dry but offers sneaky intensity and a lingering finish. This should benefit from a few years of patience. Very much like Lafite in miniature. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2001]

Robert Parker 90

This has become one of the finest second wines produced. The 1998 (a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot) is an outstanding effort. While very Lafite-like (although more supple and forward), it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an excellent bouquet of black fruits, smoke, earth, and minerals, supple tannin, an excellent texture, and a long, fine finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 23/04/2001]

Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015