Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Cru Classé Pessac Léognan, 2005
For a château that can sometimes go a little further on the oak than necessary, this is a very elegant, measured performance that shows great respect for the purity of fruit and consequently shows great terroir. There is pure blackcurrant on the nose, dark, chewy fruit on the palate, and delicate oak in the background; good balance on the finish, a very good wine.
critic reviews
Notably deeper in colour than the earlier vintages in the lineup, we are heading firmly towards the modern era of Smith Haut Lafitte, with more precision in the vineyard and cellar. Tannins remain tight on the opening and this is impressive, with fennel, bitter aniseed and roasted rosemary spice. The texture is notably more supple also, and the architecture impressive. Winemaking in evidence, making it just slightly less in the spirit of the supremely balanced 2005 vintage. 90% new oak. Fabien Teitgen technical director.
A wine that I have been lucky enough to drink several times recently, and it's tasting superb right now. Generous and welcoming, with grilled red peppers, rosemary, toasted sandalwood, cedar, liqourice, espresso, well textured tannins, sage and turmeric spice that freshens the finish and keeps you wanting more. Excellent quality from technical director Fabien Teitgen and owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard.
The 2005 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, it slips confidently out of the glass with notes of creme de cassis, baked plums, cracked black pepper, and pencil shavings, plus wafts of sandalwood and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush and juicy, featuring soft acidity and a long, beautifully poised finish. In a sweet spot for drinking now, this can cellar a further 20 years+.