Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Léognan
    Château Smith Haut Lafitte

    Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Léognan,

    Destination

    vintage

    Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Léognan, 2010

    Justerini & Brooks Tasting note
    Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Léognan, 2010

    The new second label from the high flying Smith Haut Lafitte is produced from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. One would quite rightly expect something good from one of the region’s most meticulously run estates; hailing from the auspicious 2010 vintage. And indeed the Petit Haut Lafitte is rather magnificent. Initially it is somewhat reserved, but after a little aeration, perfumed notes of bright cherries, loganberries and cassis mingle with savoury aromas of tobacco and even a hint of cigar smoke. As with most 2010s, there is good tension, with ample concentration, lots of dense, sleek fruit, but the acidy always retains a sense of vibrancy and energy. This is already demonstrating the hallmark of a very fine claret, but we recommend laying a few cases down for five to eight years to see this exquisite wine at its best.

    ABV:
    14.5%
    94/100
    Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
    Supple velvety tannins set the scene here, adding depth and texture to the cassis and bilberry fruits, lovely edge of sage, orange peel and cocoa powder. More serious than Les Hauts de Smith, this has clear ageing capacity. 30% new oak. An upscore from En Primeur.
    Date Reviewed:
    02/2023
    Drinking Window:
    2024 - 2038
    91/100
    Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
    The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps with youthful notes of fresh blackcurrants, black cherries, and mulberries, giving way to notions of cedar chest, crushed rocks, and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is coated with ripe, seductive black fruits, supported by rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy.
    Date Reviewed:
    03/2023
    Drinking Window:
    2024 - 2040
    89/100
    Neal Martin, Vinous
    The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has held on to its Pomerol-like bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, chalk and light sous-bois scents. Nicely focused. The palate is well balanced with quite firm, edgy tannins, touches of licorice infusing the black fruit, a little austere towards the finish though with adequate freshness. Fine.
    Date Reviewed:
    02/2023
    Drinking Window:
    2023 - 2033

    specifications

    country:
    France
    region:
    Bordeaux
    Appellation:
    Pessac Léognan
    Producer:
    Château Smith Haut Lafitte
    style:
    Red
    Grape Variety:
    Cab Sauvignon Merlot
    Allergen Information:
    This product may contain sulphites. Full allergen information is available upon request, please call our Customer Relations Team on +44 (0)20 7484 6430.

    Bordeaux

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    Château Smith Haut Lafitte

    Château Smith Haut Lafitte

    Daniel and Florence Cathiard have taken this Pessac estate to the next level. The wines here outshine many of the top names from the more fashionable communes and are challenging the likes of Haut Bailly, La Mission and even Haut Brion for supremacy in the Graves. Their 2009 received a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker and we think the 2010 is even better. The style is pure seductive fruit and a silky texture; the quality is exceptional. Kudos to Daniel and Florence for turning this good, but slightly underperforming estate into one of the finest in Pessac Leognan.

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