Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Reserve

[quijote]

At a tasting today I tried some of this; unfortunately I don't recall the vintage, and it's not listed on the handout given. It was a ruby wine with some inky hues, and the taste/aroma was very different from other Bordeaux I've tasted. According to the wineguy, the blend is a typical CS, Merlot, CF, and PV, but the taste did not remind me of that deep blackcurrant taste found in cabs. In fact, it tasted more fleshy and earthy, almost like a Guigal CdR. Any idea why? (Or maybe my assessment is off?)

I recognize the Chateau as a premier cru, so why is this retailing for $20? Is this made from their bottom-of-the-barrel grapes? (Not that I'm complaining; it's very tasty.)