2018 Château Smith Haut Lafitte
FRANCE / BORDEAUX / GRAVES
abv 14.5%
- 99 WA
- Variety
Red Bordeaux Blend
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Wine Advocate | Rating: 99
Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot aging in 60% new barriques, the very deep purple-black colored 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte is a little shy to begin. With coaxing, it very slowly unfurls to reveal a heart-stopping perfume of violets, red roses, kirsch, black cherries and redcurrant jelly, before giving way to a profound core of warm blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, molten licorice and cinnamon stick with nuances of dried mint, orange blossoms (yes!) and cloves. Full-bodied, the fruit does veritable pirouettes on your palate, both elegant and powerful in its expression, coating the mouth with densely packed red and black fruits while revealing tons of mineral, floral and savory sparks, framed by exquisitely fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long.Author: Lisa Perrotti-BrownIssue: April 2019 Week 4 - Bordeaux 2018
Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte is located in the Pessac-Leognan appellation and is classified as a Graves Classified Growth. The chateau produces about 16,000 cases per year, which includes both their red and white versions and their second label, Les Hauts de Smith. The average 30-year-old vines represent red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc; and whites Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Semillon. The vineyards are situated on gravel, which gives its vines two great advantages: superb natural drainage, and pebbles that reflect the sun's rays, helping to ripen the fruit. The red wine is concentrated and powerful, with a bouquet of ripe red berry fruit. It may also have overtones of licorice, violet, and flint. The white wine is characterized by citrus, apple, peach and brioche with strong acidity. It is very long and clean on the palate.
See other similar producers:Chateau d'Armailhac,Chateau Pichon Baron,Chateau Calon Segur
See other similar producers:Chateau d'Armailhac,Chateau Pichon Baron,Chateau Calon Segur