Château Smith Haut-Lafitte - Pessac-Léognan (Grand Cru Classé de Graves) 2016 (750ml)

Add to Wish List

Price: $189.99

Producer	Château Smith Haut-Lafitte
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux
Subregion	Pessac-Léognan
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage	2016
Sku	111666
Size	750ml
ABV	14.00%

Château Smith Haut-Lafitte Description

In the early 20th century, the négociant firm of Eschenauer, headed by the famous “Uncle Louis” Eschenauer, sold the wine and ended up buying the château in 1958.

In the 14th century, Verrier du Dubosc signed the first recorded deeds for this estate including a few vines. George Smith, a Scottish wine merchant, acquired the property in the mid-18th century and named it after himself.

Lodi Martin Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux and signer of the official 1855 classification, acquired the estate in 1842 and brought it up to Grand Cru Exceptionnel level.
Florence and Daniel Cathiard fell in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte in 1990 and acquired it with the firm intention of perpetuating the wine’s tradition of excellence.

“Our philosophy can be summed up in one sentence – to do everything possible to make each vintage of red and white wine worthy of our magnificent terroir “.

After three years spent renovating the estate, the Cathiards came to live there, in the 18th century chartreuse dating from George Smith’s time, in order to devote themselves to overseeing winegrowing with the help of a talented and motivated team.

Dark ruby color; red currant, olive, nutmeg nose; silky textured, cassis, red currant palate with good balancing acidity; medium-plus finish.

Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Critical Acclaim

D100
Decanter
Pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 offers notes of cherry, liquorice, smoke, graphite, plum and eucalyptus. It is fresh and racy. This is a perfectly balanced wine, full of energy and freshness, juicy and fleshy on the palate, with a classic tannic frame and a long yet persistent finish. Drink it over the coming two or three decades. Bravo!
WS98
Wine Spectator
Quite ripe, with lush waves of cassis, cherry preserve and raspberry puree flavors gliding through in no hurry, but maintaining definition and cut along the way as bramble, tar and melted licorice snap notes slowly emerge throughout. The finish features an intense echo of pastis and sweet tobacco, showing serious latent grip. Best from 2023 through 2038.
RP98
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and matured in 60% new oak for 18 months, the 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a very deep garnet-purple color, opening with sensuous scents of warm black cherries, blackberry pie, star anise and fragrant lilacs with hints of chocolate box, cigar box and pencil lead plus wafts of truffles and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive, it completely fills the palate with perfumed black berry preserves and superbly plush tannins, finishing epically long and beautifully layered.
JS97
James Suckling
The blackcurrant and blueberry aromas are lifted and beautiful. Lots of flowers, too, together with some mushroom and dried-flower undertones. Full-bodied with firm and very silky tannins giving a lovely texture. Bright acidity lifts the finish and gives it drive and force. Better after 2025
WE97
Wine Enthusiast

This hugely dense wine is complex and full of juicy, succulent, smoky Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are at the service of the fruits. The wine still has a long way to go before maturity. Don’t think about drinking it before 2025.

JD97
Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, the 2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 60% new oak. It’s undeniably a more elegant, reserved style from this estate, yet it still offers full-bodied richness and depth, with a classic perfume of cassis, black currants, cold fireplace, wood smoke, and tobacco. Deep, nicely concentrated, seamless, and, again, incredibly elegant, it’s going to flesh out nicely with short-term cellaring and keep for 20-30 years.

Customers Viewing This Page Might Also Like These Items