Lafite Rothschild’s Château d’aussières Corbières shows richness and decadence.

Just about everyone knows Château Lafite Rothschild. But many don’t know that the owners and the team behind Lafite are making a delicious wine called Château d’aussières Corbières

in the south of France, near Narbonne. James Suckling says it shows the richness and decadence of the Corbières appellation, but with a precision and finesse that could only come from the winemakers of the Bordeaux first growth

2006

Aromas of meat, smoke and tar, with loads of black pepper. Full body, round and silky tannins, and an earthy finish. Shows the density and potential of Aussières. Syrah and grenache.

89 points

2008

A precise red with tar, blackberry, spice and stone. Full-bodied, round and fruity. 58% syrah, 32% mourvèdre, 10% grenache. Drink now. 91 points

2010

Complex aromas of dried flowers, tar, meat, chocolate and berries. On the palate, leaves and mushrooms, with some strawberry. Full-bodied, yet refined and delicate with fine tannins. Long and delicious finish. 65% syrah, 18% mourvèdre, 10% carignan, 7% grenache. Why wait?

91 points

2012

Beautiful spice, tar and dried-berry character. Medium body, with a fresh finish and bright acidity. Bitter chocolate, berry and walnut character. A success in a difficult vintage. 75% syrah, 20% grenache, 5% mourvèdre. Drink now. 90 points

2014

Young barrel sample with fantastic freshness and richness. Flower petals, lavender, blackberry, black pepper, tar and rosemary. Full body with firm tannins, and a long, beautiful finish. 60% syrah, 15% carignan, 15% grenache, 10% mourvèdre. Bottling in spring 2016.

92–93 points