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