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Château Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classé de Graves 2004
13%
0.75L
Intensity
A Pessac-Léognan now at the top of the pile for its appellation; a perfect balance between maturity and freshness, with sumptuous substance and silky tannins.
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Lot presentation
Château Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classé de Graves 2004
The wine
Smith Haut Laffite produces a superb red Pessac with a preponderance of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine improved year on year up until the 2009 vintage, when it was awarded 100 points by Robert Parker. An elegant, full bouquet, with aromas of black berries developing into autumnal notes. Superb, concentrated mouthfeel with great distinction. Recent vintages are sure to do extremely well.
About the Producer Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Although wine has been produced here since the mid-14th century, the story of Château Smith Haut Lafitte began in earnest in the 18th century with Georges Smith, its founder. As for the Lafitte part of the name, it comes from the Latin ficta (stone), which became fitte in the Gascon dialect, referring to a gravel hilltop of the type the vines are planted on. Given the superb quality of the production, Georges Smith decided to export it to Britain to satisfy the growing demand for the New French Claret. After a number of changes of ownership over the following two centuries, accompanied by a certain decline in quality, new life was breathed into the wine when the Cathiard family took over the domaine in 1990. And a mere year later, connoisseurs were reporting that Smith Haut Lafitte had rediscovered its former splendour; most of whom were foreign buyers, given that the owners continue to favour the export channel so dear to the estate's founder. The domaine's vineyards cover 56 hectares, 45 of which are devoted to the production of red wine. In its quest for excellence, the château now has its own cooperage, giving it control over the barrel manufacturing process. With the same aim in mind, the estate's on-site weather station enables it to predict the effects of bad weather on the vines. The château has become a pioneer in Bordeaux luxury wine tourism. The Cathiard family is also responsible for creating the Caudalie brand.
Detailed characteristics
Quantity: 1 bottle
Level 1 NormalObservation 1 NormalOrigin: private individual
Type of cellar: underground, natural cellar
Recoverable VAT: no
Original wooden case / Original case: no
French customs seal: no
Alcohol percentage: 13 %
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Pessac-Léognan
Classification: Grave cru classé
Owner: Famille Cathiard
Vintage: 2004
Colour: red
Peak drinking window: collectable bottle
Service temperature: 16°
Size (in ha): 45 hectares
Volume: 110000 bottles
Intensity: classic
Leading aroma: black fruit
Tasting occasion: food-friendly wine
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