Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Le Petit Haut Lafitte Red Bordeaux Blend

9.113 ratings
9.12 pro ratings
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France
Red Bordeaux Blend
Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, White Rice, Mushrooms, Pasta, Pork, Salami & Prosciutto, Pungent Cheese, Lamb, Tomato-Based, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Beef, Hard Cheese, Venison
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot aged in 20% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry, herbs and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry & currant with notes of pepper, tobacco & cacao notes. Soft rich full tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy and mineral character, needs a little more time.

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot aged in 20% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry, herbs and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry & currant with notes of pepper, tobacco & cacao notes. Soft rich full tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy and mineral character, needs a little more time.

Mar 28th, 2023
Aaron Tan

Again, not a wine that passed the drinkability test for me, but there are things that I liked about it, and some that I didn't. Right off the bat, it was way too heavy for me, both on the nose and palate. Heaps of oak aromas covering some sweet black fruits. The palate also came off as being quite sweet, almost syrupy, but here's where the balancing act comes in - just the right amount of acidity to keep it juicy. It's like biting into a very sweet, ripe, juicy plum with a peppering of cinnamon and vanilla. I enjoyed the tannins most, fine and directional, starting at the tip of the tongue, then swinging under before traveling down the inner walls of the gum. What a cool structure! And then there's the underlying minerality with air, which was pleasantly surprising. The finish took a turn for the worse - medium, rich, and oaky, yet bitter with hints of scorched earth character which I dislike. Also quite warm. Generally, more finessed than the 2011 Troplong Mondot, but less stacked and more stumbling blocks. Has potential.

Again, not a wine that passed the drinkability test for me, but there are things that I liked about it, and some that I didn't. Right off the bat, it was way too heavy for me, both on the nose and palate. Heaps of oak aromas covering some sweet black fruits. The palate also came off as being quite sweet, almost syrupy, but here's where the balancing act comes in - just the right amount of acidity to keep it juicy. It's like biting into a very sweet, ripe, juicy plum with a peppering of cinnamon and vanilla. I enjoyed the tannins most, fine and directional, starting at the tip of the tongue, then swinging under before traveling down the inner walls of the gum. What a cool structure! And then there's the underlying minerality with air, which was pleasantly surprising. The finish took a turn for the worse - medium, rich, and oaky, yet bitter with hints of scorched earth character which I dislike. Also quite warm. Generally, more finessed than the 2011 Troplong Mondot, but less stacked and more stumbling blocks. Has potential.

Apr 23rd, 2022
Adam Beasley

Birthday / Memorial Day party. This was over the top and delicious. Not a wine you want to marry, but a killer one night stand.

Birthday / Memorial Day party. This was over the top and delicious. Not a wine you want to marry, but a killer one night stand.

May 29th, 2022
Stuart Pollack

I can sense the potential for this wine to be a good but not exceptional Bordeaux in 3 years, but now it’s just too young to drink.

I can sense the potential for this wine to be a good but not exceptional Bordeaux in 3 years, but now it’s just too young to drink.

Feb 25th, 2022
Michael Bandelato

Michael had this 9 months ago

Michael had this 9 months ago

Feb 4th, 2024
Victoria Hines

Victoria had this a year ago

Victoria had this a year ago

Sep 25th, 2023
Roberto Marchi

Roberto had this a year ago

Roberto had this a year ago

Aug 26th, 2023
Roberto Marchi

Roberto had this a year ago

Roberto had this a year ago

Jun 10th, 2023
Roberto Marchi

Roberto had this a year ago

Roberto had this a year ago

Jun 8th, 2023
Marc Poirier

Marc had this 2 years ago

Marc had this 2 years ago

Sep 21st, 2022