Carruades de Lafite 2020 released

The 2020 Carruades de Lafite has been released by the international trade at £2,124 per 12×75, 18.3% less than the current Market Price of the 2019, which has risen in value since release. This is the second wine of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

Despite a marked increase on last year’s release, current Market Prices of previous vintages make this year’s En Primeur offering look compelling.

Critical opinion

The wine achieved a barrel range of 89-91 points from Neal Martin (Vinous). He described it as “clean and precise”; “A Deuxième Vin that just needs to loosen its tie and let it all hang out a bit more”.

Antonio Galloni (91-93), however, observed that the “impeccably refined” 2020 Carruades is “shaping up to be a gem”.

For Jeb Dunnuck too, “its balance and elegance are what set it apart, and it’s one of the finest second wines out there”. Dunnuck gave it 92-94 points.

The wine also received 96-97 from James Suckling and 93-95 from Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) and Falstaff.

Fair Value

All of Carruades de Lafite back vintages are currently available in the £2,600 – £3,000 range. Those that look the best value are the 2009 (NM 93) at £2,880 per case, and the 2019 (NM 92) at £2,600.

Carruades de Lafite prices are strongly correlated to age. At this price level, today’s release offers great value for money.