March 25, 2024 - this wine has underwhelmed me ever since I've owned it...just always really mellow, no real finish, uneven....nice subtle profile though...herbal, mushroom, dark cherry
March 6, 2024 - Absolutely stunning! At its early peak! Gorgeous, ripe red fruits, a little spicy, full of substance and depth! A little Lafite at its very best! Gorgeous and sexy!
February 9, 2024 - Last of 4 bottles bought a long time ago. Cork was intact, first taste was very acidic and dry but the long very good after taste made me think that with good preparation, this bottle should have something to reveal. I decanted it, let it rest a good hour and, miracle, it turned out to be a fantastic wine that kept improving as time went by. Still fresh and very balanced wine. True Premier Grand Cru quality even for a second wine. Lafite’s product at at its best. Can't wait to open the real Lafite bottle I still have.
January 11, 2024 - I decanted this wine two hours prior to a meal, but it was insufficient to allow it to open into its optimum self. Classic Pauillac on a grand scale. Rich and complex with a long finish. Was better the next day. This wine has lots of life, will taste again in five years.
December 17, 2023 - Fine second label, 2000 Carruades de Lafite ($45 in 2008). Similar to previous notes. Light-mid ruby, amber edges; red fruit, tobacco, earth, wood nose; light-mid acids; softening tannins; balanced red fruit and wood finish; some life left. w/filet. 16.5/91.
November 15, 2023 - It is quite balanced and easy to drink. Not exceptional.
October 24, 2023 - A wine of true decency. Glossy, translucent ruby colour! Fragrant aroma of ripe red fruits along with a hint of saddle leather, silky smooth in texture, drinking beautifully now! Twelve and a half per cent in alcohol.
October 20, 2023 - Fully mature with a classic Lafite nose, and smooth as silk through the finish. As is the case with many second wines, the mid palate lacks depth. Not very good QPR. Drink up!
September 26, 2023 - I am so pleased that 5 years after my last bottle, bottle #9 of 12 (originally purchased as futures) is still drinking much like my 2018 tasting note. There is only a faint bricking on the rim.
I still get plum, cigar box and graphite. I am now picking up some tertiary flavor of mushrooms. The tannins are still silky and the finish is long.
I wonder for those with such different experiences if it is storage conditions over 23 years, or such a drastic difference in style (greater ripeness including higher ABV) compared to younger vintages.
Nothing about this tells me this wine won’t go to 2030.
September 20, 2023 - Reading some of the comments below, I just don't get it.... The 2000 Carraudes is absolutely lovely upon opening--gorgeous nose, silky tannins which is what Lafite is all about. Cedar, bergamot, tart cherry all emerge after 30 mins. Much more than just a classic Pauillac! Can't wait to see where this goes over the next few hours and in a few years!! Wonderful value for a second wine.