Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Pessac-Léognan - Red - 2017

Wine:

Intense and with great structure, the 2017 red Pessac-Léognan Château Smith Haut Lafitte is an unequivocal triumph, rated 97+/100 by Parker. Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, it unfolds a magnificent array of ripe fruits, crème de cassis, and succulent cherry, all framed by the vintage's characteristic tension and firmness. A radiant, fresh, and intense profile emerges with restrained power and absolute elegance. This ultra-promising wine may be less explosive than the sunnier vintages like 2015 or 2018, but it is equally enthralling and well-suited for aging. In fact, it's one of the rare 2017s to secure such a high Parker score, surpassing even its prestigious rival, Haut-Brion!

Vinification:

Hand-picked from 38-year-old vines. Whole-berry vinification in small wooden vats at 28°C. Aged for 18 months in barrels, 60% of which are new, made on site at the Château.

Color:

Dark red, almost black.

Nose:

Expressive, with aromas of crushed red and black fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry). When aired, spicy notes emerge and a floral touch reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity.

Palate:

Straightforward and well-balanced, with a magnificent concentration of flavors and supple, coated tannins. A long, silky finish of elegant complexity and voluptuousness.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Prime rib, roast guinea fowl, pan-fried duck breast with blackcurrant reduction, pork with spices.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2050

A star of Pessac-Léognan and awarded 2 stars in the RVF Wine Guide, Château Smith Haut Lafitte is renowned for its precision and unwavering consistency. Every aspect of the estate is designed to combine modernity with excellence: the in-house cooperage, biodynamic practices, and ultra-precise selections and blends leave no room for error.

Consistently praised by Parker, this estate now enjoys a stellar reputation. Its status has been further enhanced by King Charles III’s recent visit in September and the vinotherapy complex, Les Caudalies, making it a must-visit destination for wine and tourism enthusiasts alike.