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Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Léognan 2010
$210.00
Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Léognan 2010
$210.00
Pessac-Léognan
2010
55% Merlot
45% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Bordeaux
ESTATE HISTORY
In the 14th century, Verrier Du Bosq signed the first recorded deeds for a few vine rows. George Smith, a Scottish wine merchant, acquired the property in the mid-18th century and named it after himself.
Lodi Martin Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux and signer of the official 1855 classification, acquired the estate in 1842 and elevated it to Grand Cru Exceptionnel status.
In the early 20th century, the négociant firm Eschenauer, headed by the famous “Uncle Louis” Eschenauer, sold Smith Haut Lafitte wines and ended up buying the château in 1958. Three branches for George Smith’s three children Fleurs-de-lis symbolising the Verrier du Bosq family who founded the vineyard A crescent emblematic of the Port of Bordeaux: the “Port of the Moon”.
TERROIR
Surrounded by forests, hedges, and hives, the 87 hectares, one block estate is standing alone as a green island.
Covered with Gravels « Graves Gunziennes », the vines are digging at more than 6 meters deep their resources, and the grapes benefit from the stones’ miror effect from the sun for a perfect ripening.
The soil gives the wines extraordinary caracteristics. Whites are subtly « smoked », reds are smooth and complex.
VITICULTURE
Organic and biodynamic practices.
The Château enhances microbial life by using their own organic compost and also protects the soil by planting hedges and trees, and installing beehives on the estate. Horse-drawn carts to plough the white wine vineyard’s fragile slopes. Maintaining wooded areas and hedges not only embellishes the countryside, but also enhances the harmony we constantly seek with nature: “winegrowers are landscape architects”.
WINEMAKING
At Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a vat room using only gravity flow has been in operation since 2013 in order to keep the grapes intact. Each facility is equipped with the latest technology.
The grapes are harvested by hand and then sorted on vibrating tables, followed by precise optical sorting using photographic analysis. This ensures only ripe grapes of optimal quality are put into the truncated cone-shaped oak vats used for fermentation, keeping each batch separate. A thousand-barrel underground cellar ages several red wine vintages. Another cellar is reserved for white wines and both are a place of expression for the cellarmaster and their team, who monitor the symbiosis of the wine and oak for 12 to 18 months.
The grapes are harvested by hand and then sorted on vibrating tables, followed by precise optical sorting using photographic analysis. This ensures only ripe grapes of optimal quality are put into the truncated cone-shaped oak vats used for fermentation, keeping each batch separate. A thousand-barrel underground cellar ages several red wine vintages. Another cellar is reserved for white wines and both are a place of expression for the cellarmaster and their team, who monitor the symbiosis of the wine and oak for 12 to 18 months.
TASTING & FOOD PAIRINGS
The 2010 is a remarkable wine and is a testament to all the efforts of the Cathiard family and their team. Complex and dense, the bouquet reveals a gorgeous array of blackcurrants, graphite, smoke, spices, gum trees, tobacco and liquorice. Full of freshness also. Dense and concentrated, the palate possesses an elegant tannic frame, with a deep and perfectly balanced structure. The finish is endless, fresh and slightly minty. Superb!
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte delivers notes of baked plums, boysenberries and dried mulberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, new leather and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate has firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the maturing fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note.
Gorgeous, with alluring black tea and warm ganache notes that unfurl slowly, while the core of intense steeped plum, anise, blackberry compote and black currant confiture sits patiently in reserve. The beautiful loam-, tobacco- and tar-filled finish displays major heft, but also remarkable polish and grace. Should age very slowly. Best from 2018 through 2035.
Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and plums follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Lots of mushroom and fruit undertones. Very polished. Such finesse yet structure to this young wine.
Spice, smoky fruit, with great acidity, this wine offers richness, structure, powerful tannins and already some delicious blackberry fruits.
Pairs well with red meat dishes, leg of lamb, venison, rabbit and cheeses (Cantal, old Mimolette, Morbier, Saint-Nectaire, Gouda and Brie de Maux).
*Please note the image is of a representative bottle. For pictures of the actual bottle please contact us.