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Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2007

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

The 2007 Smith-Haut-Lafitte has a delightful bouquet of cedar-tinged red berry fruit mixed with cloves and Chinese five-spice, all well defined and quite Saint Julien-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, hints of sandalwood and truffle infusing the decayed red fruit but with plenty of substance and freshness on the finish. I reckon after a decade, this Pessac-Leognan is à point and should be consumed now and over the next 8-10 years. Tasted February 2017.

Score: 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2027 30 June 2017

Tasted at the UGC in London. The nose displays moderate intensity, well defined black berry, iodine, cedar and a very faint hint of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite masculine, this has become a tad more introverted in recent month, slightly pointed towards the finish. Broody at the moment, this will need 2-3 years to start coming out of its shell. This is very promising. Drink 2012-2020. Tasted November 2009.

Score: 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2020 01 May 2010

This has a very upfront nose and in a completely bizarre way reminds me of some of the Central Otago Pinot Noirs that I was tasting in New Zealand a few weeks before - all those black cherries, Doris plum but here infused with a little cedar and there in the background a touch of mango sorbet. Medium-bodied, very fine tannins and focus - this is Smith Haut Lafitte showing its refined nature with just a touch of tar on the finish. Perhaps rather stoic and foursquare at this age but good potential.

Score: 90 - 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 08 April 2008

Bright, medium ruby-red. Very expressive aromas of plum, tobacco, smoked meat and sexy oak. Broad, sweet and sexy, with a vein of acidity giving the wine clarity and a note of woodsmoke contributing early appeal. Finishes long, with mounting tannins. A noteworthy success for the year.

Score: 91

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 July 2010

The outstanding 2007 Smith Haut Lafitte offers up notes of charcoal, sweet black currants, licorice, and spice box. This delicious, medium to full-bodied, pure, deep, rich effort with silky tannins builds incrementally across the palate. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. Bravo!

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2010

Offers wonderful currant, berryand cedar box aromas. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, classy finish. Balanced and fruity. Racy and gorgeous. Best after 2012. 10,000 cases made.

Score: 90

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2012+ 31 March 2010

Fresh mushroom, berry and currant on the nose and palate. Medium body, good tannins and plenty of fruit for the vintage.

Score: 88 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2008

Purple with a pale rim. Lightweight nose but everything in balance with nice frank fruit and the tannins are supple and fine. Lively and in the flirtatious, easy idiom of the vintage. Easy and breezy. Not especially ambitious but a good drink. Congratulations are in order on not fighting the vintage character.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2012-2016 10 April 2008

Deep purple-red. Sweet cassis and oak on the nose. Well-structured palate with refreshing acidity. Brisk tannins, but fine-grained. Lovely cassis fruit on the palate. Mineral, stony finish. Very nice. Longer term. Drink 2015-23.

Score: 17

Decanter, - Maturity: 2015-2023 08 April 2008

Deep crimson. Powerful aromas of pure confit fruits and exotic spices. Quite dense with nicely perfumed fruit, rich coffee roast and a hint of mintiness. Savoury tannins and a spicy finish.

Score: 89 - 92

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2008