Smith Haut Lafitte 2005

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2005 The nose smells of leather, earth, smokiness, horse blanket and a host of descriptors that get at a sense of brettanomycees as complexity rather than a flaw. That said, I know that this level of brett would be too much for those seeking a more purely fruity expression of the grapes of this appellation. This direction certainly has been consistent in the estate’s wines over time. and I think it hits the mark right on the edge without going over. The mouth is supple yet dense – filling the whole palate with flavor, the taste of dark chocolate. The estate is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Mis au chateau by the Cathiard family, proprietaire a Martillac 13.5% $86.99 at Bottle Barn Smith Haut Lafitte

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
This entry was posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan. Bookmark the permalink.

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