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Château Smith Haut-Lafitte 2004 Vintage: 2004 Colour: Red Origin: France - Bordeaux - Graves - Pessac-Leognan AOC Alc % by Vol: 12.5% (12 X 750ml 550CHF) The Wine Spectator: 90-92/100 Robert Parker: 90-92/100 Jean-Michel Deluc: Decanter Magazine: ****

Our opinion

Dark, deep color. A fruity nose of dark-fruit including blackcurrants, cranberries and blueberries. On the palate the fruity attack is quickly overtaken by the virile structure. Very fine length at the finish.

Description

91-93/100 Robert Parker, 89-91/100 Wine Spectator, **** JMD, **** Decanter . The estate is located in a single block on a gravelly rise; 55 of the 72 hectares are planted with vines. The soil, consisting of gravel dating from the Gunz (or Nebraskan glacial) period, has two unique features. The first is superb natural drainage which forces the vine roots to sink more than six metres into the soil to seek nourishment in the form of water and mineral salts. The second is the "mirror effect", of the topsoil, whose pebbles reflect the sun's rays, helping the grapes to ripen beautifully. In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith Haut Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques and age-old traditional methods: organic compost, return to small wooden vats, ageing on the lees in barrel...