Château Smith Haut Lafitte Red Bordeaux Pessac-Léognan 750ML

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2018 Pessac-Léognan Rouge is a Grand Cru Classé de Graves red Bordeaux from one of the most historic estates in the region, with vineyard origins dating back to 1365. Owned and managed by the Cathiard family since 1990, the estate spans 78 hectares with 67 hectares devoted to red wine grapes on deep gravel soils with quartz pebbles, sand, and limestone.

The 2018 vintage blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, with small additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels, many produced at the estate's own cooperage. It displays aromas of red cherry, spring flowers, cedar, licorice, graphite, blueberries, blackberries, and cassis with an opaque blue-purple color. The palate is dense yet strikingly pure, with building tannins, fresh focused texture, and exceptional length.

The 2018 is considered one of the finest recent vintages for Smith Haut Lafitte, earning outstanding critical acclaim including 99 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 98 from James Suckling, 97+ from Wine Advocate, 97 from Wine Spectator, 97 from Decanter, 96 from Wine Enthusiast, and 95 from Vinous. Drinking window is 2025 through 2040, with potential to evolve for 50 years or more. Best served at 15.5°C (60°F) with classic meat dishes, game, roast chicken, or hearty fish courses.