Chateau Smith Haut Lafite
Daniel and Florence Cathiard transformed this property in the early 1990's and have been making decadent, modern, sexy wines here since then which combine flavours of classic earthy Graves and silky, seductive new oak. 60% of the crop will go into the first wine with 7500 cases produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc in 80% new oak. Yields were a mere 25hl/ha. Comparisons are made with the excellent 1996 vintage produced here and also with 1947. Lots of new wood and barrel char on the nose with thick, ripe cherry fruit behind. Sweet, good texture, some thick tannins and structure. Good length. A very attractive wine that marries spicy vanilla oak with ripe fruit. Plum purple in colour, intense aromas of black berries and licorice. Full-bodied with solid tannins and a long silky finish. Excellent depth here. Very well crafted. Smith Haut Lafite continues to get better each year.
