Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Les Hauts de Smith Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France
2015 vintage. An amazing year for Pessac-Léognan as demonstrated by this second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte. A 50/50 Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend, aged 14 months in barriques (20% new). Interestingly this estate has its own "tonellerie", they make their own barrels. Beautiful nose with truffles and ripe red and black fruit. In the mouth it shows serious fruit concentration, ripe tannin and great spicy length. Very charming indeed. One can imagine the quality of the "grand vin" in this vintage. Abv. 14%
2015 vintage. An amazing year for Pessac-Léognan as demonstrated by this second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte. A 50/50 Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend, aged 14 months in barriques (20% new). Interestingly this estate has its own "tonellerie", they make their own barrels. Beautiful nose with truffles and ripe red and black fruit. In the mouth it shows serious fruit concentration, ripe tannin and great spicy length. Very charming indeed. One can imagine the quality of the "grand vin" in this vintage. Abv. 14%
May 17th, 2022
A generous open at the wine bar, courtesy of TC. I felt that the wine was a little compromised - probably a 3 out of 10 on the heat stroke scale (10 being totally cooked) - but still offered plenty of character. Violets, jammy black fruits, eucalyptus, wood, and charred earth (heat damage?) on the nose. Concentrated palate of blackberries, earth, graphite, and a touch of stony minerality, as well as a particular musk and bitterness in the finish which I associate to heat damage. Ripe and round tannins. For me, the disagreeable elements did not take away from the enjoyment of the wine this time, but it may well have been the effect of great company.
A generous open at the wine bar, courtesy of TC. I felt that the wine was a little compromised - probably a 3 out of 10 on the heat stroke scale (10 being totally cooked) - but still offered plenty of character. Violets, jammy black fruits, eucalyptus, wood, and charred earth (heat damage?) on the nose. Concentrated palate of blackberries, earth, graphite, and a touch of stony minerality, as well as a particular musk and bitterness in the finish which I associate to heat damage. Ripe and round tannins. For me, the disagreeable elements did not take away from the enjoyment of the wine this time, but it may well have been the effect of great company.
Feb 18th, 2022I do love second labels. Usually terrific values and excellent wines, they are definitely go to purchases.
Deep dark burgundy with light cherry flecks. An exquisite nose featuring blackcurrant, smoke, and licorice. Oak and rose petals entice. This, of course, requires proper aeration which reveals some additional notes of earth, mushrooms, and green peppers.
Blended simultaneously as its prestigious older sibling, there is definitely a level of elegance and refinement here that’s a bit uncommon for many second label bottles. A Left Bank beauty, this is half Cabernet Sauvignon/half Merlot aged 14 months in French oak. The palate follows the nose closely with more earth notes and blue fruits. A soft vegetal quality in the mouth. Medium long finish with nice spice leaves you wanting more and more and more.
I do love second labels. Usually terrific values and excellent wines, they are definitely go to purchases.
Deep dark burgundy with light cherry flecks. An exquisite nose featuring blackcurrant, smoke, and licorice. Oak and rose petals entice. This, of course, requires proper aeration which reveals some additional notes of earth, mushrooms, and green peppers.
Blended simultaneously as its prestigious older sibling, there is definitely a level of elegance and refinement here that’s a bit uncommon for many second label bottles. A Left Bank beauty, this is half Cabernet Sauvignon/half Merlot aged 14 months in French oak. The palate follows the nose closely with more earth notes and blue fruits. A soft vegetal quality in the mouth. Medium long finish with nice spice leaves you wanting more and more and more.
Dark berry fruits and earthy flavors that give way to spice and mint on the finish.
Dark berry fruits and earthy flavors that give way to spice and mint on the finish.
Aug 27th, 2018
