Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2020

Blend

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Wine designation

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Red, 2020
Category: Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux

Food pairing

Perfect to serve alongside a roasted beef dish or alongside cheeses such as abondance, or Comté.

Data sheet

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2020

Tasting notes

A deep dark red, almost black with purple edges, excellent aromatic profile with expressive red fruit flavors with blackberries and layers of elegant cedar notes. With a minerality on the palate, with decadent and well constructured tannins.

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: Manual punching down.

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

18 months with 60% new barrels – One rack and returned during ageing.

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.