Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Leognan Rouge 2005 750ml

Name: Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Leognan Rouge 2005 750ml
Brand: Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
SKU: 445553
Price: 204.57 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 96 (7 reviews)

Case of 12

Sample image only. Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.

SKU 445553

$2,454.84/case

$204.57/bottle

Tariffs included

Availability: This is a Long-term Pre-arrival item and is available for online ordering only. This item will ship on a future date after a 4-8 months transfer time. For more about Pre-arrival orders, see FAQ.

Pre-arrival

Case Only

Minimum order 12 bottles

TWI 99pts

WA 98pts

JD 97pts

JS 95pts

DC 95pts

WS 94pts

VM 94pts

See professional reviews

The 2005 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, it slips confidently out of the glass with notes of creme de cassis, baked plums, cracked black pepper, and pencil shavings, plus wafts of sandalwood and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush and juicy, featuring soft acidity and a long, beautifully poised finish. In a sweet spot for drinking now, this can cellar a further 20 years+.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Graves
Sub Appellation: Pessac Leognan

Size: 750ml
Color: Red

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SKU: 445553 Categories: Left Bank Bordeaux, Pre-arrival, Product Videos

More about this item

Winery

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

Shop all from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Learn more about this producer

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act â€“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.

Country

France

France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]

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Region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]

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Appellation

Graves

Graves, a venerable appellation in Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its historical significance and the production of distinguished red and white wines. What makes Graves unique is its diverse terroir, featuring gravelly soils that not only lend the region its name but also provide excellent drainage and heat reflection, contributing to the ripening of grapes. Red wines from Graves are predominantly blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering a balanced expression of dark fruits, structure, and age-worthy potential. The appellation is also celebrated for its exceptional white wines, primarily crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. These whites showcase bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a unique flinty character. Graves is home to renowned châteaux like Haut-Brion, a Premier Cru Classé, exemplifying the region's commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and character. Exploring Graves unveils the essence of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition and terroir converge to create wines that resonate with history and sophistication.

Ratings & Reviews

TWI 99pts

The Wine Independent

WA 98pts

Wine Advocate

This sensational, opaque blue/purple-colored wine from Smith Haut Lafitte has a gorgeous floral nose with notes of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, and cassis that jump from the glass of this inky, very dense, yet strikingly pure wine. Light on its feet despite its stunning concentration and multi-layered mouthfeel, this wine has fabulous intensity, richness and length. Quite impressive, and still incredibly youthful, this is a superstar of the vintage, and capable of lasting another 25-30 years.

JD 97pts

Jeb Dunnuck

A gorgeous Grave from this incredible team, the 2005 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in a mix of new and used oak. More reserved and backward than bottles from my cellar, it has a rich, full-bodied, structured profile as well as classic Graves scorched earth, darker fruits, graphite, tobacco leaf, and subtle chocolate. Blockbuster stuff on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate and sweet tannins, it needs air, or another 4-5 years, to show at its full potential.

JS 95pts

James Suckling

An impressive nose of spices, dark fruits, and fresh forest flowers. Full-bodied, this has a solid core of fruit and super polished tannins. A fabulous wine, showing great structure and harmony, and a long, long finish. Beautiful stuff. Pull the cork in 2015.

DC 95pts

Decanter

I had two wines on the night of my birthday this year, shared among four of us on the terrace of Rouge bar at Sources de Caudalie hotel in Martillac. The first was Château Oliver 2014, a white wine that I have long championed as being one of the best in Bordeaux. Both were beautiful, but this Smith Haut Lafitte stood out for its grace, and its generosity of spirit. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the tannins were sweet, softened but still confident, rich with autumnal fruits, just the right dash of chocolate and liquorice without straying over the line. A wonderful bottle shared with some of my dearest friends, is there anything better? Oh, and the date of my birthday by the way, June 22nd. The day before the EU referendum. Somehow the year seemed more peaceful then – and it makes this wine all the sweeter.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

Mulled blackberry, fig and black currant fruit leads the way here, as this has a richness that imparts appeal now, while ample bay leaf, tobacco and humus accents keep this grounded through the finish. Delivers a lovely mix of sweetness of fruit and mouthwatering savory notes.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made.

VM 94pts

Vinous Media

The 2005 Smith Haut Lafitte packs a serious punch. A blast of wild cherry, smoke, leather, tobacco and mint hits the palate as this powerhouse Pessac-Léognan shows off its personality. Black cherry, mocha, rose petal, spice and chocolate all saturate the palate. This is an especially lush, potent wine shaped by density, concentration and plenty of oak. I would prefer to drink the 2005 sooner rather than later, as it is starting to fray just a bit. Tasted two times

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Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Leognan Rouge 2005 750ml

Case of 12

More Vintages:

Winery

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Appellation

Graves

The Wine Independent

Wine Advocate

Jeb Dunnuck

James Suckling

Decanter

Wine Spectator

Vinous Media

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