Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2015
Winery:
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located in Pessac-Léognan on the left bank of the west tributary of the Gironde River. During the 1959 Classification of the Graves, it was classified as Grand Cru Classé, putting Smith Haut Lafitte wines above many others from the region in terms of their quality. The wine is aged in barrels for about 18 months with 60 to 65 percent new wood. The 78 hectares (193 acres) of vineyards and the château sit on a low hill of stones and pebbles deposited by the Garonne River. This gravelly soil offers not only superb drainage but also reflects sunshine to amplify its benefits to the vines and fruit. The vineyard is farmed organically, harvests are manual, and the estate has its own vine nursery, situated on Ile de Lalande in the middle of the Garonne.
The property is also unusual in retaining an on-site cooper. Grapes have been grown on the site since 1365. In 1958, it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer company, which invested in the winery and its vineyards. Since 1990, the property has been owned by Daniel Cathiard. The château is unrelated to the first growth Château Lafite Rothschild, despite the similarities in the name. Smith Haut Lafitte takes its name from the gravel plateau cultivated in 1365 (and known as Lafitte) and 18th Century owner George Smith, who was the first to build the manor house on the site in Pessac-Léognan.
Wine:
Medium to deep garnet-purple, the 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte has a totally dazzling nose of exotic spices, star anise, fenugreek, and Sichuan pepper – over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries, plum preserves, violets, and earthy wafts of truffles, moss, tilled black soil and forest floor. Without the need to decant for long, this medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and packed with flavors into a surprisingly modest package, it fills the mouth with spice and herb-laced black and blue fruit layers, supported by very ripe, very finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic and consistent length. Show-stopping, heart-pounding beauty and will even age incredibly.
Grapes: 63% cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
Flavors:
Primary: Cherries, wild blueberries, plum preserves, violets, black fruits, a touch of liquorice
Secondary: fenugreek, Sichuan pepper, vanilla-infused oak, tobacco, mocha
Tertiary: truffles, moss, black soil, and forest floor
Expert Ratings: RS 96
Wine Secret Ratings: 97 / 100
Wine Secret Comments: This 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte stands out from the classic Pessac-Léognan style, with not just the distinctive minerality, the spice flavors stand out among the rest, showing its ripeness and elegance without ruining its complex and sophisticated flavors. With each sip, the beautifully balanced and well-structured tannins come with a pronounced aroma, and flavor intensity is surprisingly youthful, and refreshing with a slight touch of liquorice. Full-bodied with stronger dry black and blue fruits flavor as opened in 2022 shows its age potential and might become one of your favorite Pessac-Léognan style wines.
Restaurant Price Range: Not Available, this is a limited 100-year edition.