2005 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac 6x750ml

Vinous 91

Good deep red. Pungent aromas of currant, cherry skin, leather, graphite, olive and flowers. Suave, minerally and penetrating, with lovely energy and floral lift. Not at all a fleshy style but classic, vibrant and firmly built, finishing with excellent lift. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2008]

Robert Parker 93

Tasted single blind at Southwold. This has a deep ripe plumy nose with good definition and freshness: cedar and blackberry, a tangible sense of mineralite but tightly-coiled. A dense weighty palate, great concentration and vibrant acidity, very focused, lithe, wonderful definition with a lifted cedar finish. No frills, but masterful winemaking is afoot here. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted January 2009. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025

JancisRobinson.com 18.0

Quite aromatic. Very sumptuous texture and a lovely herald of the vintage if it is not unbelievably expensive. Very ripe and mulberry flavoured and, without tasting the grand vin, you could really lose yourself in this – such fine tannins – truly cashmere! Just a little inkiness on the finish lets it down from top status. A very slightly raw, green note on the nose announces itself only after tasting Lafite itself! [04/12/2006]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025