2021 LE PETIT SMITH HAUT LAFITTE Pessac-Léognan Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Lea & Sandeman

LE PETIT SMITH HAUT LAFITTE

2021 Pessac-Léognan

IN STOCK
Grapes Cab Sauv, Merlot
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
Other Certified Organic
Village Pessac-Léognan
ABV 13%

You'll find a greater difference in quality than in a typical vintage between this and Hauts de Smith, with greater clarity of expression and rich aromatics here. Blueberry, raspberry leaf, lemongrass and campfire smoke, with salted cracker salinity on the finish. This is where you fid the sweet stuff in 2021 - not by looking for ripe fruit but by going long on juicy, elegant, well balanced savoury fruit that has plenty of character. A great 2nd wine that is worth seeking out. 30% new oak. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2022)

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This has very pretty cabernet aromas of blackcurrants and iodine with cloves, stone and just a hint of fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with a firmness and freshness on the palate, leading to a linear and racy finish with plenty of energy. Crunchy. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. From organically grown grapes. Rating: 92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Jul 2024)

This has a gorgeously sappy, mouthwatering finish, that really makes you want to pick up a glass. Rosebuds and redcurrant, delicate tannins, Cabernet focused highlighting the savoury, elegant side of the grape, with a cassis bud and liqourice finish. 25% new oak. Offers great drinking over next decade. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2024)

The 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a seriously impressive wine. A burst of sweet dark fruit, kirsch, lavender, sweet spice and leather makes a strong first impression. Charming and engaging, the 2021 offers tons of Cabernet Sauvignon character and a kiss of new French oak that works so well here. Impeccable. Drinking range: 2024 - 2036 Rating: 93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2024)

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Owned by the Cathiard family since 1990, Smith Haut Lafitte has a history that extends back to 1365. Originally owned by the Bosq Family, it was bought by Scotsman George Smith in the eighteenth century, and he gave it his name. He also built the manor house, and shipped the wine back to England.

In 1842, it passed, from his mother, to a M. Duffour-Dubergier, who was mayor of Bordeaux. His work raised the quality level and it was classified Grand Cru in the 1855 classification. The 20th century was mostly about Louis Eschenauer and his company, which distibuted the wines and eventually bought the property in 1958, investing over the time and building the barrel cellar.

The Cathiards fell in love with Smith in 1990, and have lavished care and considerable investment on it since then. Daniel Cathiard was a former ski champion, a member of the famous French Olympic team that included Jean-Claude Killy, and it was at that time that he met his wife Florence. Both have impressive track records of running businesses. Daniel built up the small chain of supermarkets that he inherited, and added a chain of sports shops, the group employing nine thousand people. Florence worked with him and also ran her own advertising company, ending up in a senior position in the McCann group. In 1990 they sold all their business interests to concentrate on Smith, where they have lived since. One of their daughters runs the Caudalie beauty products company (products based on the polyphenols extracted from grape pips), and the other two boutique hotels, including the 'Sources de Caudalie', next to Smith.

The Cathiards have since bought Château Cantelys in Martillac, and also, in 2012, part of the vineyard of Château Le Thil, as well as the house and the park. More recently they have been involved in the consortium which bought Château Bearegard (Pomerol) and Château Bastor Lamontagne (Sauternes).

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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