Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan, 2024
Smith Haut Lafitte presents a more restrained profile than normal, a dialled back expression that displays a sense of class and restraint. The bouquet, while less flamboyant than usual, offers an attractive array of aromas. Damsons mingle with richer notes of crème de mûre and blueberries, underscored by an earthy hint of forest floor and the subtle savouriness of cigar wrapper. A touch of pencil shaving adds a classic graphite element, while notes of wildflowers lend a delicate lift. On the palate, the wine reveals a notably creamy texture, yet with a vibrant, nervy core. Flavours of crème de mûre and plums take centre stage, with a touch of mocha and cocoa nib. Careful extractions have ensured refined, nuanced tannins that frame the fruit perfectly. The finish possesses a lovely energy and harmonious balance. This isn't about overt power, but rather a seamless flow. A beautifully constructed Smith Haut Lafitte that prioritising finesse over power.
critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored. Needs a little swirling and coaxing to bring out notes of fresh red and black currants, juicy blackberries, and lilac, followed by hints of cedar chest, bay leaves, and underbrush. The light to medium-bodied palate has a firm, grainy texture and beautiful freshness with tightly wound red and black fruit flavors and a long mineral-laced finish.
The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked from September 18 to October 9 and matured in 60% new oak. It has an understated bouquet that I appreciate, with scents of blackberry, raspberry, light rose petal and India ink that gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, extremely well balanced and very refined, with a linear and correct finish. This is a classy Smith Haut Lafitte that will provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure.
Toasted cedar and sandalwood oak on the nose, the team as Smith Haut-Lafitte has done a lovely job of adding a gourmet lick of grilled blueberry and raspberry fruits to the opening moments of the wine, alongside richer damson and black cherry in the mid-palate. Great energy, lift and juice, vivid fruits, graphite, ink, chalk tannins, slimmer through the mid palate than in the bigger vintages, but everything in its place. 21hl/h yield, 60% new oak. Fabien Teitgen technical director.
Notes of spices, oak, dark berries and gentian preface the 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte, a medium-bodied, firm and structured wine with an assertive tannic frame that leads to a compact, gentian-inflected finish. This blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 60% new oak, is somewhat introverted and linear, making it a chewy Smith Haut Lafitte that will need time to unwind.
product details
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