Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Pessac-Léognan - Rouge - 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 a recipient of 2 stars from the RVF Guide, Château Smith Haut Lafitte is renowned for its precision and consistency. Here, everything is designed to harmonize modernity with excellence: the estate's own cooperage, biodynamic practices, and ultra-precise selection and blending processes are executed flawlessly.

Consistently highly rated by Parker, the estate has now reached a very high standing. Its value was further highlighted by the recent visit from King Charles III last September and by the presence of the Les Caudalies vinotherapy spa, making this destination a must-visit for wine tourism enthusiasts!