James Suckling (97-98)

This is so umami with sea urchin character that gives you sea salt and dried seaweed aromas and flavors. The integrity and richness is so impressive with an exotic character, yet it is so classic and fine in structure. 13.5% alcohol. 70% whole cluster fermentation. 40% cabernet franc, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 25% merlot. A new model for Bordeaux?

Has a bottle ever captured the elegance and refinement of a distinct year quite like the Caronne Ste Gemme 1983? A historical product of Bordeaux's storied Haut-Medoc region, this meticulously crafted wine mirrors its exquisite terroir. Its pedigree traces back to the eponymous château planted in the 1648, managed with the highest care, grounding the heritage and class of Caronne Ste Gemme 1983. The silky blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grape varietals, ripened to perfection under a sun-soaked vintage, has been vinified utilising time-tested methods, painstakingly preserved over generations.

Every glass beckons with deep, tantalising aromas, engulfing the senses in classic notes of blackcurrant, plum, and licorice, hinted with earthy complexities. Palate equally impresses, imbibing a mature charm coming from decades of careful cellar aging. The Caronne Ste Gemme 1983, articulate and full of character, is a feast for the fine wine connoisseur, epitomising the grandeur of an exceptional vintage.

The Caronne Ste Gemme 1990 is an exceptional representation of fine Bordeaux wine, expertly crafted in the Haut-Médoc region of France. It's a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 35% Merlot, one of the most esteemed compositions of the Château Caronne Ste. Gemme winery. This well-established French winery dates back to 1648 and has a widespread reputation for producing top-tier wines from the most favourable terroirs.

With the Caronne Ste Gemme 1990, you'll discover a finely balanced palate of blackcurrants, plums, and tobacco, complemented by elegant tannins and an enduring finish. This vintage carries the definitive style of the remarkable 1990 growing season. Meticulously aged for a year in French oak barrels before bottling has imparted a distinctively enticing aroma to this wine. A masterpiece of winemaking expertise, the Caronne Ste Gemme 1990 is a must-have for any serious wine connoisseur.

Wine Advocate (90)

Supple tannins and attractive camphor, mulberry, black currant and dusty, earthy notes are present in this full-bodied, legitimate sleeper of the vintage. The purity, texture, pure charm and depth of this wine are impressive. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88)

The 2019 Caronne Ste Gemme has a more giving, less timid bouquet than in barrel, offering delightful blackberry, briary and cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a slightly powdery texture and dark chocolate and white pepper toward the oaky finish. Give it 3–4 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88)

The 2019 Caronne Ste Gemme has a more giving, less timid bouquet than in barrel, offering delightful blackberry, briary and cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a slightly powdery texture and dark chocolate and white pepper toward the oaky finish. Give it 3–4 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89-91)

The 2020 Caronne Ste Gemme has a well-defined nose of earthy black fruit mixed with bay leaf and tea leaf scents, gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is smooth and harmonious, displaying well-judged acidity and firm grip. There is a bit of new oak that needs to be fully assimilated toward the finish; otherwise this is a very fine Caronne Ste Gemme that will surely represent great value.

Vinous - Neal Martin (89-91)

The 2020 Caronne Ste Gemme has a well-defined nose of earthy black fruit mixed with bay leaf and tea leaf scents, gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is smooth and harmonious, displaying well-judged acidity and firm grip. There is a bit of new oak that needs to be fully assimilated toward the finish; otherwise this is a very fine Caronne Ste Gemme that will surely represent great value.

Wine Advocate (84)

The 1992 Carruades de Lafite (Lafite-Rothschild's second wine) reveals light body, adequate ripeness, a soft, smooth texture, and a clean, spicy finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

Wine Advocate (86-88)

I have noticed in my tastings that the second wine of Lafite-Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite, has improved over recent years. The 1996, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, may turn out to be the finest Carruades I have ever tasted. It possesses as much power, ripeness, and fleshy fruit (because of the high percentage of Merlot) as I have ever detected in this offering. While it does not quite have the characteristics of Lafite, being fleshier and more accessible, it is a beautifully made wine with a subtle dosage of toasty new oak, an appealing texture, and excellent length. Given its power, this second wine will need 2-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 15+ years (I would not be surprised to see it last for two decades).

Wine Advocate (90)

This has become one of the finest second wines produced. The 1998 (a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot) is an outstanding effort. While very Lafite-like (although more supple and forward), it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an excellent bouquet of black fruits, smoke, earth, and minerals, supple tannin, an excellent texture, and a long, fine finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.

Wine Spectator (93)

Wonderfully ripe and decadent, with tobacco, meat and ripe berry aromas, with hints of currants. Full-bodied, and very velvety, with unctuous fruit flavors. Long and exotic aftertaste. Terrific wine.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)

Bright medium ruby. Aromas of currant, blueberry, violet and licorice. Bright and focused, with modest flesh but lovely dark fruit flavors and grip. Lively acids extend the finish.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)

Dark ruby-red. Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs. Dry and quite closed, with limited sweetness. Flavors of plum, leather and currant leaf show only modest ripeness. Firm acids give this wine a slight sour edge.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)

Dark ruby-red. Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs. Dry and quite closed, with limited sweetness. Flavors of plum, leather and currant leaf show only modest ripeness. Firm acids give this wine a slight sour edge.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Lively and fresh. Less dense than many. Racy and very juicy. Delicate.