The 2019 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a French Bordeaux blend of exquisite quality and intriguing character. Hailing from the renowned region of Bordeaux, this red wine is a creation of the esteemed Smith-Haut-Lafitte winery in Pessac Leognan. With a stately alcohol content of 14.0%, it boasts a deep, regal color that's as inviting as a warm hearth.
The bouquet of this wine is a masterclass in complex, layered aromatics. The nose is greeted with an intoxicating blend of tobacco leaves, turmeric, truffle, cassis, and blueberry, underscored by intriguing notes of smoked caramel. It's a symphony of scents that tantalizes the senses, promising a taste experience that's equally profound.
On the palate, this wine delivers in spades. It is rich and powerful, brimming with flavors of dark fruit, spices, and violets, all wrapped in a structure of firm, chewy tannins. It has an intense, polished finish, highlighted by an unexpected ash-like undertone that lingers in the mouth.
The 2019 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a wine that's both concentrated and comfortable. It is a wine that demands attention and reverence, yet is inviting and approachable in its complexity. It is a wine that, given 2-3 years of bottle age, will reveal even deeper layers of flavor and character. It is a wine that's destined to impress, to be savored, and to be remembered.
The esteemed reviewers agree, awarding this wine scores in the 90s, and commending it for its depth, complexity, and potential for aging. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future indulgence, the 2019 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a testament to the art of winemaking and the timeless allure of a well-crafted Bordeaux blend.