Another brilliant second wine, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) is elegant and amazing for a second wine from Lafite. 'Carruades de Lafite' is now engraved in the bottle to prevent unscrupulous sommeliers and merchants from trying to pass it off as Lafite Rothschild. The wine displays much of the same lead pencil, charcoal and black currant notes of its bigger sister, although it is forward, precocious and far less structured than the grand vin. Nevertheless, this wine, which can be drunk now, will cellar beautifully for at least 20-25 more years. (RP)

Solid, with bright cassis, fig and blackberry fruit studded with tobacco leaf, anise and violet. The long finish has a tarry thread, but stays polished and refined overall, with a whiff of sandalwood lingering gently. (JM)

A dense and very tannic second wine from Lafite-Rothschild. Ripe fruits from juicy Merlot balance its power and give sweetness. It's a rich, fine wine, with the tannins of the vintage never too prominent. (RV)