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B-21 Top Recommendation
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A rare and exciting opportunity to acquire top vintages from the renowned Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte of Pessac-Leognan declared “among the best in the appellation” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, all earning 95 plus pt. ratings including multiple 100 pt. perfect scores and some already aged over 10 years in pristine cellar conditions, offered at value pricing and available in original wooden cases.
Located on the outskirts of the city of Bordeaux in the Left Bank commune of Martillac, the exquisitely restored 14th century Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a destination in itself, earning a rising reputation for the remarkable quality of the Grand Vin since acquired by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990. Implementing a mix of age-old techniques with state-of-the-art technology, the biodynamically farmed 87-hectare vineyard is plowed with horses while employing advanced satellite imagery to determine optimal ripeness, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon on deep gravel soils covered with quartz pebbles. Produced under the direction of top consultants including Michel Rolland and Stephane Derenoncourt, the Grand Vin is aged for between 16 to 18 months in mostly new French oak barrels custom-crafted on-site at Smith Haut Lafitte, the only Chateau outside of the First Growths boasting its own cooperage.
Described as the “vintage that made everyone sit up and take notice of Smith Haut Lafitte” by Jane Anson, the powerful 100 pt. 2009 SHL offers rich, ripe fruit with stunning depth, while the lustrous 98 pt. 2010 SHL is “gorgeous” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth poised to continue evolving over two more decades, available in both 750 ml and magnums for cellaring. Both at outstanding pricing, the muscular 95 pt. 2012 SHL is “perfectly balanced, complex, super-rich and pure” according to the Wine Advocate and the 98 pt. 2014 SHL is summed up as “impressive long-term stuff!” by James Suckling, ready to enjoy now. Jeb Dunnuck calls the opulent 99 pt. 2015 SHL “brilliant stuff readers should snatch up” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous declares the harmoniously balanced 100 pt. 2016 SHL “flat out stunning.” The bargain priced 97 pt. 2017 SHL is described by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss as “elegant and powerful, dense and poised” that “will age impressively” while the powerful 99 pt. 2018 SHL is “incredibly polished and refined” according to James Suckling, declaring it “one of the finest Smith Haut Lafittes I have tasted.”
Describing Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vintages over the last decade at a retrospective tasting in April 2022, Decanter’s Yohang Castaing sums them up as displaying “aromatic brilliance and suave, fleshy textures framed by tannins of remarkable finesse,” an unbeatable combination mirroring First Growth quality. Whether choosing a favorite or two or mixing a case, all of these outstanding selections from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte guarantee Bordeaux lovers and collectors years of evolution and enjoyment, now priced well below their pedigree and delivering top value. |
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Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte delivers notes of baked plums, boysenberries and dried mulberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, new leather and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate has firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the maturing fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note.
98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2020)
Gorgeous, with alluring black tea and warm ganache notes that unfurl slowly, while the core of intense steeped plum, anise, blackberry compote and black currant confiture sits patiently in reserve. The beautiful loam-, tobacco- and tar-filled finish displays major heft, but also remarkable polish and grace. Should age very slowly. Best from 2018 through 2035. 9,000 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.
96 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2013)
A beautifully ripe wine with great black fruits that burst through the classic tannins. In its richness and in its structure, it combines the best of the vintage. Dark, complex, fruity and very rich, a magnificent wine for long-term aging.
96 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2013)
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