Bordeaux

R.P. 90 pts.

The sexy second wine of this estate, the 2005 Blason D’Issan, has a surprisingly saturated, ruby/plum/purple color, wonderful sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, silky tannins, medium body and outstanding concentration, richness and length.

R.P. 88 pts.

It has a cautious nose at first, eventually opening with scents of ripe red berry fruit, such as cranberry and wild strawberry, sage and autumn leaves following closely behind. The palate is medium-bodied with pointed tannin, perhaps missing a little depth on the mid-palate, tapering towards that linear finish.

The 1995 is a 40% Merlot/60% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. It exhibits more of the trademark characteristics of its bigger sibling. Elegant, with spicy new oak, lead pencil, and creamy black currant fruit, this is a medium-bodied, finesse-styled wine with excellent purity and overall equilibrium.

It possesses as much power, ripeness, and fleshy fruit.It is a beautifully made wine with a subtle dosage of toasty new oak, an appealing texture, and excellent length.

The 1999 Carruades de Lafite is made in the style of its bigger sibling. It reveals graphite, lead pencil, black currant, and cedary aromas, medium body, sweet glycerin, and a gorgeously expansive texture and palate.

Their second wine, the 2005 Carruades de Lafite, shows much of the character of its bigger sister, with loads of red and black currant fruit, spice box and earth. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins, this precise, pure and seductive wine.

R.P. 91 pts.

A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 exhibits graphite, sandalwood, black and red currant, chocolate and damp earth characteristics in its elegant, medium to full-bodied, fresh, lively personality. It is a delicious, luscious, already evolved wine.

R.P. 92 pts.

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums and boysenberries followed by hints of menthol, tobacco leaf, cloves and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a well-poised frame of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the savory flavors, finishing with a spicy kick.