Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Grand Cru Classé 'Pessac-Léognan' 2010

Le Château Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the must-have names in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, dubbed the "most Graves of Graves" due to the atypical nature of its terroir. Domaine was founded in 1365 and was then named Haut Lafitte for its geographical location. Then, when Georges Smith, a merchant of Scottish origin, acquired it in the 18th century, he added his name to it and built the Carthusian monastery we know today.

Grand Cru Classé in red in the Graves classification, Château has been owned since 1990 by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who for several years have been committed to a bio-precision approach that combines innovation and traditional techniques in both vineyard and cellar. The wines are produced organically without chemical inputs, enriched with biodynamic methods that contribute to the expression of the terroir. 

The Château Smith Haut Lafitte is based on a 78-hectare vineyard planted on an exceptional Pyrenean gravel hilltop.the red grape varieties are 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The grand vin is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% to 60% of which are new. Petit Haut Lafitte is the Second red wine.

The white grape varieties are 90% Sauvignon blanc, 5% Sauvignon gris and 5% Sémillon. The grand vin blanc is aged for 12 to 15 months in French oak barrels, of which 30 to 60% are new. Petit Haut Lafitte is the Second white wine.

"A tour de force from Pessac-Leognan, the 2010 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte matches the 2009 in terms of quality but possesses a more dense, powerful, compact style. Absolutely heavenly aromatics of blackcurrants, cassis, smoked tobacco, scorched earth, and truffle all define the aromatics, and it takes air to show at its best today. With full-bodied richness, massive concentration, and building tannins, it's flawless balanced, has an insane level of purity, and incredible length on the finish. This brilliant, brilliant Graves will evolve gracefully for another 40+ years, although it's insanely good today. Don't miss it." - 100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2010 is a remarkable wine and is a testament to all the efforts of the Cathiard family and their team. Complex and dense, the bouquet reveals a gorgeous array of blackcurrants, graphite, smoke, spices, gum trees, tobacco and liquorice. Full of freshness also. Dense and concentrated, the palate possesses an elegant tannic frame, with a deep and perfectly balanced structure. The finish is endless, fresh and slightly minty. Superb!" - 99 Points, Decanter 

"Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte delivers notes of baked plums, boysenberries and dried mulberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, new leather and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate has firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the maturing fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note." - 98 Points, Wine Advocate

Producer: Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Pessac-Léognan

Vintage: 2010

Size: 750ml