Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located in Pessac-Léognan on the Left Bank of the Garonne River. During the 1959 Classification of the Graves it was rated as Grand Cru Classé for its red wine. Nowadays the estate is also considered to produce one of the foremost examples of white Bordeaux. The 78 hectares (193 acres) of organic vineyard (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.

Cabernet Sauvignon usually accounts for 60-65 percent of the red grand vin. Merlot contributes around 30 percent, and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out a typical blend. The wine is aged in barrel for around 18 months, with 60-65 percent new wood.

A very open nose of fresh red fruits, raspberry, strawberry, and black fruits, blackberries, blackcurrant. Hints of sweet spices, liquorice, tobacco leaf. Complex and fresh. On the palate, it is well balanced with a good freshness and great deal of vivacity. Good concentration with a nice et soft texture, the wine offers a perfect harmony. Very lively, it is full of energy and delivers a great length. Nice complexity of flavors ranging from fresh fruits to spices, cigar box and hint of smoky minerality, faithful to the terroir of Graves.