4 | Wine | Pauillac, 86 to 90, 2011

Limit 6 bottles per customer
"Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color, lots of crushed rock, red and black currant, forest floor and underbrush characteristics, moderate tannin and medium body, it is built somewhat along the lines of the 1999 and 2001. It should be a 20- to 25-year wine, but it is not at the level of the 2008, 2009 and 2010. Fresh acids give the wine a somewhat more clipped feeling than most great Lafites have exhibited. Nevertheless, there is a lot of freshness and vibrancy to this vintage."-Robert Parker

"The 2011 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soft berry fruit, underbrush, fresh herb and bay leaf characteristics as well as soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a medium-bodied, slightly superficial, but satisfying style suggest this 2011 should be consumed over the next 10-15 years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 87 to 89 pts.

"This has a richness that stands out for 2011, delivering roasted fig and plum flavors, with good smoldering tobacco and black tea notes, before the tangy damson plum and iron elements more typical of the vintage finally start to emerge on the finish. Tasted non-blind."

"A strong effort from this property situated between Pontet-Canet and Mouton Rothschild, d’Armailhac’s blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot was harvested between September 14-24. Its deep ruby color is accompanied by abundant aromas of black fruits, white chocolate, licorice and flowers. Medium-bodied, expressive, savory, pure and long with sweet tannins, it should drink well for 15+ years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 90 to 92 pts.

"Bright and racy, with pronounced acidity giving nice cut to the red currant, plum and cherry notes. A singed wood hint slides in on the finish, adding length and definition. Not massive, but pure and precise."

"Tart acids give this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine a crunchy, fresh, lively feel on the palate. Composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this medium-bodied 2011 reveals loads of finesse and purity, but is slightly superficial compared to recent vintages such as 2009 and 2010. It should drink well for 10-15 years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 89 to 91 pts.

"Shows high-toned cherry, tobacco leaf, grilled herb and lightly mulled spice notes. Very formed already, with a lingering dusty finish as the herb note peeks out more and more with air. Tasted non-blind."

"Juicy and direct, with a brambly mix of raspberry and black currant liberally laced with taut anise and plum skin. A bit firm in the end, but some good stuffing here."