2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

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.

99JD #20 Top 100

98JS

97WA

97WS

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 an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, blueberries, camphor, scorched earth, chocolate, and tobacco. It's young and unevolved, yet the purity is off the charts, and it slowly gives up more spice and floral notes with time in the glass. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it's an incredibly concentrated, powerful wine that has plenty of baby fat covering serious amounts of underlying structure and tannins. It has some up-front appeal from an educational standpoint, yet really needs a decade of bottle age and is going to keep for 30-40 years in cold cellars. It comes closest in my mind to a mix of the 2010 and 2016.

99 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

#20 - Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 Wines of 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 polished and refined. Goes on for minutes. One of the finest Smith-Haut Lafittes I have tasted. Drink after 2024.

98 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)

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 scents of crème de cassis, mocha, licorice and cedar chest, followed by suggestions of baked plums, smoked meats, tar and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate brings sophistication to all that flamboyant fruit with a beautifully styled frame of finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing bright and fruity with loads of minerally sparks. This is a stunning, singular style that is sure to turn heads!

97+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 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 way. Cashmere finish lets everything sail on and on. Gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. 10,000 cases made.

97 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$134.88

Compare At: $149.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 7/11/2024. 60+ bottles available.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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