Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Pessac-Léognan - Les Hauts de Smith Rouge 2005

Wine:

Blessed with more than perfect grape maturity, the Hauts de Smith red 2005 combines rich substance, softness and freshness of taste. Pessac's vast aromatic array is unleashed with small dark berries and hints of smoke. The wine is impressively mouth filling. It can be enjoyed today while deliciously full of fruit. It will also bravely stand the test of time, bringing the drinker even greater enjoyment.

Vinification:

Traditional vinification, fermentation followed by maceration in vat at 26-28°C along with pumping-over and punching of the cap. Pneumatic presses ensure that pressing is gentle. Aging takes place in barrel for 14 months.

Color:

Intense bluish-red colour.

Nose:

Expressive on the nose, aromas of very ripe red and black fruit, graphite and sweet spices.

Palate:

Well balanced on the palate with nice density and lovely concentration. There is tannin but it is already totally incorporated, the wine extends for a very long time on the palate. This is an elegant, accomplished wine with a smooth, aromatic finish with notes of red and black fruit, spices and liquorice.

Temperature:

Serve between 16 and 18°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Grilled skirt of beef, woodcock, quail with figs, rack of lamb.

Cellar aging:

Enjoy up to and including 2015

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Graves Grand Cru Classé, is Pessac-Léognan's star. Superb in constitution with ideal balance, the second wine is in keeping with Château's top wine in every aspect. The 2005 vintage is the most accomplished. It is a dream vintage and a very promising bottle of wine.