Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2011

Blend

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

Wine designation

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Red, 2011
Category: Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Bordeaux

Food pairing

Enjoy with a navarin of lamb, duck breast and roast poultry with pan-fried porcini mushrooms.

Data sheet

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2011

Tasting notes

On the nose, we find black fruits, wild blackberry, blackcurrant, as well as notes of spice, pepper, licorice and flint. On the palate, the attack is straightforward and very long, with greedy roundness and delicate tannins. An explosion of flavors for this expressive cuvée: cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, as well as licorice, cinnamon and gunflint.

Vineyard

Vineyard size: 55 hectares

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

Winemaking

Fermentation container: Fermented whole in small oak vats.

Maceration technique: Punching down for optimal extraction.

Aging: Barrel – 65% made on-site at the estate’s own cooperage.

18 months (60% news)

Type of oak: French

Bottles produced: 120 000

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 to 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.