Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2017

Blend

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Wine designation

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Red, 2017; Category: Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux

Food pairing

Opt for Bazas rib of beef, venison steak, lamprey à la bordelaise.
Data sheet

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2017

Tasting notes

The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte opens with complex notes of crushed black cherry, blackcurrant, and wild blueberry with hints of lavender. Medium-bodied and elegant with great freshness, it has firm, grainy tannins and a long, energetic, mineral finish.

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 with 60% new barrels – One rack and returned during ageing.
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.
See the domaine

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.