Recycling of 1998 Lafite red wine Carruades de Lafite

1998 was a classic vintage for Bordeaux, highly sought after by seasoned collectors. As the second wine of Château Lafite Rothschild, 1998 Carruades de Lafite (often referred to as "Little Lafite") inherits the elegance and finesse of its grand vin, while also showcasing its unique terroir. For collectors looking to sell 1998 Little Lafite, understanding its vintage characteristics and tasting notes can help in accurately assessing its true market value.

The 1998 Bordeaux Left Bank Climate and the Birth of Little Lafite

The Pauillac region on Bordeaux's Left Bank experienced a hot and dry August and early September in 1998, followed by rainfall that brought ideal ripeness to the grapes. That year, Carruades de Lafite was blended with a higher proportion of Merlot, making the wine more approachable in its youth than the grand vin. After more than two decades of aging, its tannins have fully softened, exuding a mature mellowness. Currently, 1998 Bordeaux classified growth red wines are in their prime drinking window, which is one of the reasons for their enduring popularity in secondary auctions and the high-end wine resale market.

1998 Carruades de Lafite Key Information and Tasting Notes

To help you understand this fine wine, we have compiled key data and tasting characteristics for the 1998 Little Lafite:

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.