Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2022

Blend

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Melot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Wine designation

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Red, 2022
Category: Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux

Food pairing

It pairs with rib steak, duck breast.

Data sheet

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2022

Tasting notes

The wine has a beautiful dark red color. Complex and deep, the nose combines fruity (cherry, raspberry, wild blackberry, blueberry) and spicy (licorice, zan) aromas with savory notes of blond tobacco and star anise as it breathes. A full, smooth and lively attack precedes a palate that harmoniously combines density, concentration and fine tannins with a smooth texture and a lingering finish. Balanced and fresh, the palate exudes fruity (blackberries, black cherry), spicy (licorice stick, zan candy, cinnamon), chalk, flint, candied lemon, and violet aromas.

Vineyard

Vineyard size: 55 hectares

Soil composition: Quintessential Graves with river stones or Günz gravel.

Winemaking

Fermentation container: Whole berries in small wooden vats at 28°C.

Maceration technique: Very gentle extraction achieved by manual punching down.

Aging: Barrels

18 months in barrels, aged on lees, a single racking then aging adjusted for each wine.

Type of oak: French

Winemaker: Fabien Teitgen

Consulting œnologist: Michel Rolland

Heritage in the vineyard

Domaine

First established in 1365, then purchased by Scottish navigator and wine merchant, George Smith, who would re-name the Château after himself. Elevated to Grand Cru Exceptionnel status in 1842. In 1990, the estate was purchased by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, they have elevated Smith Haut-Lafitte among the leading great growth of Bordeaux.

Green in the vineyard

Environmental practices

Becoming certified organic in 2019, having applied many biodynamic practices for many years. Growing herbs on-site including yarrow, horsetail and tansy to use for decoctions. A strong philosophy to combine traditional with innovative technics in the vineyard.