Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Le Petit Haut Lafitte Red Bordeaux Blend
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France
This needs more time to knit together, but does show promise, even if I feel a shade less impressed than the first time trying a couple of years back. It’s initially very herbaceous, with tomato leaf and green pepper, eventually giving way to a svelte personality with plush oak and sweet fruit. Not perfect now, but should be great in four years’ time.
This needs more time to knit together, but does show promise, even if I feel a shade less impressed than the first time trying a couple of years back. It’s initially very herbaceous, with tomato leaf and green pepper, eventually giving way to a svelte personality with plush oak and sweet fruit. Not perfect now, but should be great in four years’ time.
Nov 16th, 2024
Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel & Florence Cathiard now own estate. Blend of 60% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, dark berry aromas, herbs and earthy spice. On the complex palate flavors of cherry and currant with pepper, tobacco and cacao notes. Soft ripe tannins, long finish ending with an earthy mineral character.
Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel & Florence Cathiard now own estate. Blend of 60% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, dark berry aromas, herbs and earthy spice. On the complex palate flavors of cherry and currant with pepper, tobacco and cacao notes. Soft ripe tannins, long finish ending with an earthy mineral character.
Sep 18th, 2024
Ripe and inky, but has juiciness. Not bad, but not my type of wine.
Ripe and inky, but has juiciness. Not bad, but not my type of wine.
Mar 2nd, 2024The second wine of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, the 2016 Petit Haut Lafitte is a brilliant example of Pessac-Léognan from the favourable 2016 vintage.
Young and quite austere at this stage, it’s showy but oak-driven with a consistent profile of fresh, perfumed leather, cedar and spice. But the concentration of fruit is to be commended, as is the length of the finish.
This is a promising young Pessac, which improved with air and showed better on the second day - so I look forward to revisiting this in three to five years’ time.
92+
The second wine of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, the 2016 Petit Haut Lafitte is a brilliant example of Pessac-Léognan from the favourable 2016 vintage.
Young and quite austere at this stage, it’s showy but oak-driven with a consistent profile of fresh, perfumed leather, cedar and spice. But the concentration of fruit is to be commended, as is the length of the finish.
This is a promising young Pessac, which improved with air and showed better on the second day - so I look forward to revisiting this in three to five years’ time.
92+
This was from Thanksgiving Eve. Not bad, not stellar.
***Second bottle. Demoted score. But still perhaps generous.
90 points
This was from Thanksgiving Eve. Not bad, not stellar.
***Second bottle. Demoted score. But still perhaps generous.
90 points
Second de smith haut lafitte tres agreable 60% Cabernet et 40% merlot Plutôt pour export
Second de smith haut lafitte tres agreable 60% Cabernet et 40% merlot Plutôt pour export
Dec 23rd, 2023
I used the Coravin tonight for a glass of this wine. Much better than 2 years ago. Clearly a well made, full bodied wine. It could get more integrated with a couple more years, but seems fairly balanced now. Not my favorite, but not bad.
I used the Coravin tonight for a glass of this wine. Much better than 2 years ago. Clearly a well made, full bodied wine. It could get more integrated with a couple more years, but seems fairly balanced now. Not my favorite, but not bad.
Aug 12th, 2022
Smooth palate after decanting for 2 hours.
Smooth palate after decanting for 2 hours.
Jul 9th, 2021
Super expressive, almost C9dP like nose.
Super expressive, almost C9dP like nose.
Jun 14th, 2020