2018 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 3L
$479.00
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REVIEWS

DC 99 JD 99 JS 98 JA 98 JL 97 WA 97 WS 97 TWI 96 WE 96
DC 99

Decanter, June 2021

One of the more notable successes in Pessac-Léognan is this 2018 thanks to its wonderful bouquet of red cherry, spring flowers, cedar and liquorice, graphite aromas and elegant earthy notes. With building tannins, a...
JD 99

jebdunnuck.com, March 2021

The 2018 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 60% new French oak. Its dense purple color is followed by...
JS 98

jamessuckling.com, January 2021

Purity of fruit here with plum and cherry aromas, as well as wet earth and spice. Light stone. Very floral and vivid. Full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that are balanced and polished. Savory finish. Incredibly...
JA 98

janeanson.com, September 2021

Smith Haut-Lafitte and Cos d'Estournel are the only two wines here that I have chosen to highlight in the top 100 for both their red and white bottles. For SHL in particular, it seemed crazy to suggest wines that sum up...
JL 97

TheWineCellarInsider.com, March 2021

Deep, dark almost inky in color, the wine pops with smoke, licorice, wet forest, spice box, cherry, black raspberry, espresso and dark chocolate create an exciting aromatic profile. The wine is rich, deep, dense...
WA 97

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, March 2021

(97+ points) A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new barriques, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte bursts onto the scene with showy...
WS 97

Wine Spectator, January 2021

Ripe and seductive, with a caressing wave of cassis, plum puree and blackberry compote flavors that hold sway throughout, but not without support from enticing savory, licorice, warm loam and mineral accents along the...
TWI 96

The Wine Independent, February 2023

(96+ points) The 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte is deep garnet-purple in color. It storms out with profound notes of cassis, black cherries, and dark chocolate, with hints of violets, pencil shavings, and clove oil. Medium to...
WE 96

Wine Enthusiast, May 2021

This wine offers rich licorice and blackberry flavors as well as freshness. It has structure and power while also showing fruitiness and acidity that offer poise. The wine's long-term future is assured. Drink from 2026...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Pessac Leognan
Vintage 2018
Size 3L
Percent alcohol 14.5%
Closure Cork

As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith-Haut-Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith-Haut-Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

The style of Smith-Haut-Lafitte red is classical, with a beautiful expression of Gunzian gravel terroir which gives it unique smoky notes. Elegant and structured, the red shows freshness, complexity, balance and richness.

The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, harvested at full maturity and softly vinified to extract only the silkiest tannins, unveils its full potential after proper aging. The other grape varieties of the vineyard, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, add their own aromas and participate in the harmony of a great Cru Classe de Graves.