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

    Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Léognan,

    Destination

    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%
    93/100
    Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
    Cabernet dominant in its character, with intensity and black pepper spice, edges of eucalyptus and mint, showing tannic grip and power than makes it a real entry into the1st wine, and very different in character from Les Hauts de Smith in the vintage. Fabien Teitgen technical director. Any water used for irrigation of young vines is from their own water recycling system.
    Date Reviewed:
    05/2023
    Drinking Window:
    2028 - 2042
    90-92/100
    Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
    A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot aging in 30% new oak, the 2022 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge is deep garnet-purple in color. It gallops out with powerful notes of plum preserves, creme de cassis, and licorice, followed by suggestions of chargrill, cardamom, and iron ore. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the muscular fruit, finishing long with a mineral lift.
    Date Reviewed:
    05/2023
    Drinking Window:
    2027 - 2045
    91-93/100
    Neal Martin, Vinous
    The 2022 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has a more backward nose than the Les Hauts. With coaxing, blackberry, loam and light flinty/smoky aromas unfurl from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannins lending freshness and tension, quite saline toward its airy Cabernet-driven finish.
    Date Reviewed:
    05/2023
    Drinking Window:
    2029 - 2049

    specifications

    country:
    France
    region:
    Bordeaux
    Appellation:
    Pessac Léognan
    Producer:
    Château Smith Haut Lafitte
    style:
    Red Wine
    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.