September 20, 2024
Smith Haut Lafitte 2019: A Must-Have That Outshines 2009 and 2010
This article was published on 20th September 2024. Prices may have changed if you're reading it after this date.
Smith Haut Lafitte 2019 is an exceptional expression of Bordeaux that beautifully captures the essence of the Pessac-Léognan terroir. This vintage is distinguished by its remarkable balance and depth, showcasing a harmonious blend of fruit, acidity, and tannin. On the nose, you'll find an alluring mix of ripe blackcurrants, plums, and subtle earthy notes, enhanced by hints of cedar and spice.
In terms of acclaim, the 2019 vintage is not only close to perfection, receiving a score just shy of 100 points, but we've also secured a small parcel at a very competitive price. The provenance is impeccable, with these bottles coming directly from Bordeaux. Jane Anson awarded the 2019 an impressive 99 points, positioning it above highly esteemed vintages like 2009 and 2010.
Having a few bottles of Smith Haut Lafitte in your cellar is never a bad idea. With only 18 bottles available at this price, we recommend that fans of classic Bordeaux add these to their collections today.
Comparison of all the top-scoring Smith Haut Lafitte's as scored by Jane Anson:
"Sumptuous, seductive and extremely poised. This inches forward with layers of bitter chocolate, smoked caramel, liquorice root, fresh mint leaf, rosebud and black truffle. Behind all this sits caressing, slate-filled tannins that give real grip to the palate." - 99 Points, Jane Anson
"Reminding me a little of the 2009, the 2019 Château Smith Haut Lafitte has a rich, powerful style in its cassis, blueberry, and black raspberry fruit as well as its chalky minerality, smoked earth, tobacco, and lead pencil shaving-like aromas and flavors." - 98 Points, Jeb Dunncuk
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2019
99 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
Sumptuous, seductive and extremely poised. This inches forward with layers of bitter chocolate, smoked caramel, liquorice root, fresh mint leaf, rosebud and black truffle. Behind all this sits caressing, slate-filled tannins that give real grip to the palate. Within 15 minutes of opening you feel even more volume in the mid palate, before things close in towards a mouthwatering salinity on the finish. Shows why Le Petit Smith Haut-Lafitte is so exceptional in this vintage. Full of signature Smith Haut Lafitte gloss, but this is also a serious wine that will reward ageing. 60% new oak.
Sumptuous, seductive and extremely poised. This inches forward with layers of bitter chocolate, smoked caramel, liquorice root, fresh mint leaf, rosebud and black truffle. Behind all this sits caressing, slate-filled tannins that give real grip to the palate. Within 15 minutes of opening you feel even more volume in the mid palate, before things close in towards a mouthwatering salinity on the finish. Shows why Le Petit Smith Haut-Lafitte is so exceptional in this vintage. Full of signature Smith Haut Lafitte gloss, but this is also a serious wine that will reward ageing. 60% new oak.
99 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2019 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge comes from terroir composed of 60% gravel and 40% clay and is a blend of around 2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and 1/3 Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs considerable swirling to unlock notes of blackcurrant preserves, stewed plums, and juicy blackberries, with hints of candied violets, licorice, espresso, and tapenade, plus wafts of crushed rocks and wood smoke. Full-bodied, rich, and opulent in the mouth, it has very firm, super-ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the voluptuous, mineral-accented fruit, finishing very long and achingly perfumed.
The 2019 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge comes from terroir composed of 60% gravel and 40% clay and is a blend of around 2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and 1/3 Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs considerable swirling to unlock notes of blackcurrant preserves, stewed plums, and juicy blackberries, with hints of candied violets, licorice, espresso, and tapenade, plus wafts of crushed rocks and wood smoke. Full-bodied, rich, and opulent in the mouth, it has very firm, super-ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the voluptuous, mineral-accented fruit, finishing very long and achingly perfumed.
98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Reminding me a little of the 2009, the 2019 Château Smith Haut Lafitte has a rich, powerful style in its cassis, blueberry, and black raspberry fruit as well as its chalky minerality, smoked earth, tobacco, and lead pencil shaving-like aromas and flavors. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, this rich, unctuously textured beauty has terrific concentration, sweet tannins, and the vintage's hallmark elegance and finesse. One of the most concentrated, powerful wines in the vintage, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age (or a healthy decant) and will evolve for 30+ years if stored properly. Not enough can be said about what proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, as well as winemaker Fabien Teitgen, continue to achieve at this estate.
Reminding me a little of the 2009, the 2019 Château Smith Haut Lafitte has a rich, powerful style in its cassis, blueberry, and black raspberry fruit as well as its chalky minerality, smoked earth, tobacco, and lead pencil shaving-like aromas and flavors. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, this rich, unctuously textured beauty has terrific concentration, sweet tannins, and the vintage's hallmark elegance and finesse. One of the most concentrated, powerful wines in the vintage, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age (or a healthy decant) and will evolve for 30+ years if stored properly. Not enough can be said about what proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, as well as winemaker Fabien Teitgen, continue to achieve at this estate.