Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2016

Origin and background

The 2016 vintage was characterised by ideal weather conditions, with a hot, dry summer and a mild autumn, favouring slow, optimal ripening of the grapes. Château Smith Haut Lafitte, planted on a terroir of deep gravel and clay-limestone, offers a wine combining power, finesse and freshness, characteristic of this Pessac-Léognan grand cru.

Tasting

Colour: Deep, intense red with purple highlights.

Nose: Complex and elegant. Aromas of ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), red fruit (cherry), floral notes (violet), sweet spices (pepper, liquorice) and delicate woody nuances (cedar, vanilla).

Palate: Full, silky attack. Fine, well-integrated tannins. Dense, balanced mid-palate with bright fruit and fresh acidity. Long, harmonious, lingering finish with spicy, woody notes.

Review

- Wine Advocate: 95/100

- Vinous: 94/100

- James Suckling: 96/100

Suggested pairings

Perfect with grilled or roasted red meats (rib steak, fillet of beef), roast lamb or leg of lamb, noble poultry (guinea fowl, duck) and dishes in sauce (stews, stews). Also goes well with mature hard cheeses (Comté, Manchego) or blue-veined cheeses.