Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2019

The elegance and power of a fine red wine from Pessac-Leognan by Smith Haut Laffite

The estate
Located in the heart of the Pessac-Leognan appellation and dating back to 1365, Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux. This magnificent property of Grâces has entered a new era in its history, following its acquisition by Daniel and Florence Cathiard in 1990. The Cathiards manage Chateau Smith Haut Laffite with great passion and ambition, having elevated the property to the rank of the most beautiful properties of Graves with wines renowned worldwide for their class and style, both in red and in white.

The vineyard
With a superb location, the Chateau Smith Haut Laffite vineyard covers 78 hectares of vines, which are 40 years old on average. The chateau uses its own vine plants from a mother vine preserved in their nursery on the island of Lalande.

The winemaking
Vinification of whole berries. Vinification in small wooden vats at 28 ° C. Extraction by manual punch-downs.

The aging
18 months aging in barrels. 60% new French oak barrels. Barrels from Chateau Smith Haut Laffite's integrated cooperage. Aging on lees. Unique racking, then aging adjusted to each wine.

The blend
Cabernet sauvignon (59%), merlot (36%), cabernet franc (4%), petit verdot (1%).

The tasting
Tasted as a wine future, the Chateau Smith Haut Laffite 2019 red displays a very dark red color. The expressive nose reveals aromas of black fruit. After aeration, the bouquet becomes complex with notes of spices and touches of flint. The palate is great and powerful, revealing a soft texture. For Fabien Teitgen, Technical Director of Chateau Smith Haut Laffite, "Elegance and softness do not exclude power.” Power, concentration, tension, freshness and length on the palate characterize this very beautiful 2019 vintage from Smith Haut Laffite.