($44-$55) Red-ruby. Expressive aromas of currant, leather, game and tobacco, with a whiff of band-aid. Sweet and smooth on entry, then a bit green and dry-edged in the middle palate, with notes of tobacco, leather and meat. Seems dryer in bottle, and far less primary, than the sample I tasted in the spring of 2004.

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A spectacular value as well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 135,000-bottle cuvee of 2003 Carruades de Lafite (50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc). This amazing effort rivals such superb second wines as the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion and 1982 Forts de Latour. A serious red, it is sexy, opulent, rich, and luscious with silky tannin, enormous body, and wave after wave of mocha-infused black cherry and cassis fruit. It is almost too good to be believed. While drinkable now, it should evolve for 12-15 years or longer.

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Aromas of sweet tobacco, berry and chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow midpalate but very nicely done. Second wine of Lafite. 20,000 cases made.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio