2012 Smith Haut Lafitte
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Tasting notes
Very good intensity on the nose with dark mineral and a very savoury character. The palate is fruity and delicately structured, although some chewy tannin comes out towards the finish. Well-defined and very good in the context of the appellation. this is a chateau that can clearly perform well not just in top vintages. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
FINE+RARE
More reviews and scores
Delicious waxy and dairy-scented nose, absolutely spot-on for the style. Dry yet there is ripeness and honey here – echoes of Sauternes. Really good condition and development. A really lovely example of what white Bordeaux offers at its peak. (RH)
The 2012 Smith Haut Lafitte has an intense, well-defined and quite complex bouquet with blackberry, briary and cigar humidor scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, cohesive and poised with quite a firm grip towards the finish. This is another classy Pessac-Léognan and a wonderful example from Pessac-Léognan that might well be leading the pack at this stage. Bon vin . Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Very oxidative in style, and showing plenty of waxy Sémillon character. Definitely mature, definitely ready to drink, and possibly a bit broad and bruised for some. (RH)
About the producer
Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan today – all thanks to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who took over the property in 1990 and have since transformed the estate, converting to biodynamics and crafting wines of increasing finesse.