Château Smith Haut Lafitte, 2011

Description

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a prestigious estate in the Pessac Leognan region. With a long history in Bordeaux dating back over 800 years. The estate started out life as part of the Du Boscq holdings in the Graves region. It was Du Boscq who first planted vines in 1365 on a gravelly plateau called Lafitte. This is of course where part of the famous chateau took its name from.

Today, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is owned and managed by Daniel Cathiard and Florence Cathiard. The Cathiards purchased the estate in 1990. According to Daniel Cathiard, there were numerous estates in Bordeaux for sale at the time. But a big part of the reason they purchased Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte had to do with the fact that Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the few Bordeaux vineyards producing both red and white wines.

Tasting Notes

Grape Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

The grand vin, the 2011 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is another great successes (and that’s saying something after the remarkable duo of 2009 and 2010 as well as the brilliant 2008). This wine exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, mulberries, licorice and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, nicely integrated acidity, wood and alcohol, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45 seconds, this brilliant wine should drink well for 15-20 years

- Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Serving Suggestions

Best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Ratings

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94, James Suckling 94, Wine Spectator 93