SKU: 05577

Château Smith Haut Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte 2020

d96
jd94
v94
wa93

750ml

$39.99

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Category	Red Wine
Varietals	Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Origin	France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan
Brand	Château Smith Haut Lafitte

This is the second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte, made of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot from the famous estate. Look for earthy, foresty scents coupled with licorice, tobacco, coffee, black raspberry and plums in the nose and mouth. The wine has excellent freshness in the fruit, softness in the tannins and superb density in the second wine arena. The finish is spicy and dark with tons of red fruits.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte has a long history in Bordeaux dating back over 800 years. The estate started as part of the Du Boscq holdings in the Graves region. It was Du Boscq who planted vines in 1365 on a gravelly plateau called Lafitte, which is how the famous chateau was named. George Smith bought the Graves estate in 1720 and added his name to the property, becoming Smith Haut Lafitte.

Today, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is owned and managed by Daniel and Florence Cathiard. The Cathiard’s purchased the Bordeaux estate in 1990. They bought the estate from a well known Bordeaux negociant and importer to America, Louis Eschenauer. According to Daniel Cathiard, there were numerous estates in Bordeaux for sale at the time. But a big part of the reason they purchased Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte had to do with the fact that Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the few Bordeaux vineyards producing both red and white wines. For reds, the estate is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with an average vine age of 30 years, 'today Smith Haut Lafitte is one of Bordeaux's shining success stories, reflecting what hard work and conscientious propietors can achieve in a short period of time.' Robert Parker

Decanter

Dark blackcurrant on the nose, really speaking of the Cabernet Sauvignon with medicinal herbal touches too, mint, bramble and dark chocolate. Very gently chewy, such a subtle bounce to the palate with the ripe fruit coming through giving the density while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives the strength, the structure and the backbone. It expands outwards, penetrating the sides of the mouth but retaining a sense of refinement. It doesn't feel like it's been overworked, there's tension but nothing harsh. Structured and serious but also there's lots of life with great acidity and a mouthfilling crushed stone texture. Really delicious and I love the outward freshness. A lovely Petit in 2020 that will also age well. Serious but captivating. Ageing 14 months, 15-20% new oak

Jeb Dunnuck

jd94

A more structured, serious wine, the more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has pure cassis and ripe black cherry fruits as well as medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, classic notes of leafy tobacco and spice, and a great finish. It stays in the pure, focused style of the vintage and is going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. It will keep for 10-15.

Vinous

The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall structure. There's terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character. Best After 2025.

Wine Advocate

wa93

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aging in 30% new barriques, the 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with alluring scents of blackberry preserves, Black Forest cake and warm cassis, plus wafts of red roses and cinnamon toast with a hint of dried mint. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers plush tannins and soft acidity to support the generous, juicy black fruits, finishing on a lingering minty note. 91-93

Château Smith Haut Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte 2020

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Decanter

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Wine Advocate