The 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a Bordeaux Blend wine that hails from the esteemed region of Pessac Leognan in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with its deep and opaque blue/purple color, is a true masterpiece crafted by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard. It exudes elegance and sophistication with its glorious nose filled with acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings, and incense.
Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has awarded this wine a perfect score of 100 points, declaring it the finest wine ever made by the producers. The wine is described as massive, extraordinarily rich, and unctuously textured. It is undoubtedly the most concentrated effort produced by Smith-Haut-Lafitte to date. Other critics, such as James Suckling, praise the wine's beautiful fruit and structure, calling it the best red ever from the estate.
The 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It has been aged in 60% new French oak, contributing to its incredible depth and complexity. Wine critic Cory Gowan describes this wine as an ultra-concentrated blockbuster, almost port-like in its character. Bordeaux enthusiasts and New World Cabernet fans alike will be captivated by its jam-packed flavors and its potential for extensive aging.
The wine offers a dense and firm structure, with powerful yet silky tannins. It showcases flavors of crushed plum, blueberry, cassis, fig, blackberry paste, tar, pastis, and violet. The finish is long, dark, polished, and pure, leaving a lasting impression. Wine critics predict that this wine will continue to evolve and improve with age, and it is recommended to cellar it for at least a decade before enjoying.
With its impeccable balance, richness, and authority, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a true gem of the Bordeaux region. It is a wine that demands attention and respect, and its potential to age effortlessly for 30-40+ years is a testament to its exceptional quality. This wine is a must-have for serious collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the finest expressions of Pessac-Leognan.