2010 Smith Haut Lafitte
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Tasting Notes
A big rich wine chock full of polished, modern fruit which is intensified by lovely sappy acidity and lots of hedgerow fruit. This is a big beast destined for a long life.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Decanter
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Upon initial pouring, the Smith Haut Lafitte 2010 appears a little unsettled, perhaps just getting used to its surroundings. However, it rapidly gains harmony and clarity, developing seductive scents of luscious raspberry and wild strawberry, hints of incense and dried violets, the new oak still a little conspicuous and needing further bottle age to fully integrated. The palate is rounded and pleasurable from the start: fine acidity, gentle tannins, quite caressing on the finish. This is a consummate Smith Haut-Lafitte that will repay long-term ageing.
This is an extraordinary performance once again from the Cathiard family, the proprietors of Smith-Haut-Lafitte. They think the 2010 is even better than the 2009. (I disagree, but only slightly.) This wine has laser-like definition in its an remarkable nose of a subtle charcoal fire interwoven with spring flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur and spicy wood. Full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, long, rich and moderately tannic, this wine is set for an exceptionally long life of 30-40 years but can be drunk in 5-7.
Rich tobacco leaf cassis fruit, superb balance of natural vineyard concentration and elegance, already showing fragrance and charm, a notable success for this château. Drink 2015-30. Steven Spurrier, decanter.com
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.