2009 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1×1.5L

Vinous 94

The 2009 Smith Haut-Lafitte has a very perfumed, quite floral bouquet with violets permeating the black and red fruit, hints of game and leather developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. Touches of brown spice filter through the red fruit and towards a fleshy and lightly peppered finish. This is a classy Pessac-Leognan from the Cathiard’s…though, the 2016 is better! Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2009 Bordeaux tasting. [Neal Martin, 14/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050

Robert Parker 94

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Smith Haut Lafitte ’09 offered one of the comeliest bouquets in the blind flight of Pessac-Leognan wines: more restrained but showing brilliant delineation and clarity: undergrowth, cigar box and touches of incense infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. This is an assertive wine determined to make an impression, with a bold multi-layered finish that suggest it will need at least a decade ageing. Tasted January 2013. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2013]