Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2019

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

The estate
Located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation and dating back to 1365, Château 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 Château 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 Château Smith Haut Laffite vineyard covers 78 hectares of vines, which are 40 years old on average. The château 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 ageing
18 months ageing in barrels. 60% new French oak barrels. Barrels from Château Smith Haut Laffite's integrated cooperage. Ageing on lees. Unique racking, then ageing adjusted to each wine.

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

The tasting
Tasted en primeur, the Château Smith Haut Laffite 2019 red displays a very dark red colour. 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 Château Smith Haut Laffite, "Elegance and softness do not exclude power.” Power, concentration, tension, freshness and length on the palate characterise this very beautiful 2019 vintage from Smith Haut Laffite.