Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2010

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes
Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and plums follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Lots of mushroom and fruit undertones. Very polished. Such finesse yet structure to this young wine. Better in 2017. Score: 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2017+ 04 February 2013
This is an extraordinary performance once again from the Cathiard family, the proprietors of Smith-Haut-Lafitte. They think the 2010 is even better than the 2009. (I disagree, but only slightly.) This wine has laser-like definition in its an remarkable nose of a subtle charcoal fire interwoven with spring flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur and spicy wood. Full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, long, rich and moderately tannic, this wine is set for an exceptionally long life of 30-40 years but can be drunk in 5-7. (98+ Points) Score: 98 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2058 01 February 2013
2010: A qualitative home run, right up there with the profound 2005 and more opulent 2009, Smith-Haut-Lafitte has turned in a remarkable performance in this vintage, but then again, so have many other chateaux. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine has an inky/purple color and an extraordinary nose of graphite, blackberries, cassis, licorice, smoke, and camphor. The unbelievable skyscraper-like texture, stunning purity, and formidable intensity make for a remarkably rich, long, full-bodied wine that is classic Graves, but at the same time a staggering 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035+. Score: 95 - 97 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 04 May 2011
Intense pure cassis with a fine oak overlay. Beautifully dry and mineral on the palate. Finest of tannins, cool freshness, even a tiniest bit leafy to add fragrance, so much there but all finely balanced and refined. Score: 18 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2032 10 April 2012
Deep crimson. Very glamorous and ripe on the nose. Polished and just chock full of classic ingredients. She points me towards the improving finish, having upbraided me for her mark compared with Dom de Chevalier. ‘So you see I am fishing for my 'alf point.' Score: 17 - 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2009-2032 12 May 2011
Savoury and appealing on the nose. Very fresh - admirably fresh. Very Graves and fragrant with firm minerality and very dry finish. Nothing overdone. Nicely balanced for the long term. Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2032 12 April 2011
Deep in colour with a very appealing nose of tarry black fruit and some minerality. Very impressive on the palate too with juicy good quality blackcurrant fruit, stones and lift. Good distinctive character. You can really taste the quality here. Score: 94 - 96 Albany Vintners, - 27 April 2011
With a pH of 3.62, the Grand Vin is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the bouquet is very intense and focused, stricter than the 2009 last year with blackberry, a touch of cassis and a hint of boysenberry. Fine delineation, the mineralité beginning to emerge after one minute in the glass. One is immediately struck by the almost citrus-like freshness on the entry, tight at first but then fanning out beautifully across the mouth towards the wonderfully structured finish that has more tension than it knows what to do with. Very persistent, very long. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Tasted April 2011. Score: 93 - 95 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 22 April 2011
Really ripe, but with great focus, as linzer torte, blackberry, plum sauce and anise notes are woven tightly together, all carried by tar and graphite, with a long, seamless finish. Score: 93 - 96 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 05 April 2011
Rich tobacco leaf cassis fruit, superb balance of natural vineyard concentration and elegance, already showing fragrance and charm, a notable success for this château. Score: 18 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2030 01 April 2011

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and plums follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Lots of mushroom and fruit undertones. Very polished. Such finesse yet structure to this young wine. Better in 2017.

Score: 95

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2017+ 04 February 2013

This is an extraordinary performance once again from the Cathiard family, the proprietors of Smith-Haut-Lafitte. They think the 2010 is even better than the 2009. (I disagree, but only slightly.) This wine has laser-like definition in its an remarkable nose of a subtle charcoal fire interwoven with spring flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur and spicy wood. Full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, long, rich and moderately tannic, this wine is set for an exceptionally long life of 30-40 years but can be drunk in 5-7. (98+ Points)

Score: 98

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2058 01 February 2013

2010: A qualitative home run, right up there with the profound 2005 and more opulent 2009, Smith-Haut-Lafitte has turned in a remarkable performance in this vintage, but then again, so have many other chateaux. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine has an inky/purple color and an extraordinary nose of graphite, blackberries, cassis, licorice, smoke, and camphor. The unbelievable skyscraper-like texture, stunning purity, and formidable intensity make for a remarkably rich, long, full-bodied wine that is classic Graves, but at the same time a staggering 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035+.

Score: 95 - 97

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 04 May 2011

Intense pure cassis with a fine oak overlay. Beautifully dry and mineral on the palate. Finest of tannins, cool freshness, even a tiniest bit leafy to add fragrance, so much there but all finely balanced and refined.

Score: 18

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2032 10 April 2012

Deep crimson. Very glamorous and ripe on the nose. Polished and just chock full of classic ingredients. She points me towards the improving finish, having upbraided me for her mark compared with Dom de Chevalier. ‘So you see I am fishing for my 'alf point.'

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2009-2032 12 May 2011

Savoury and appealing on the nose. Very fresh - admirably fresh. Very Graves and fragrant with firm minerality and very dry finish. Nothing overdone. Nicely balanced for the long term.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2032 12 April 2011

Deep in colour with a very appealing nose of tarry black fruit and some minerality. Very impressive on the palate too with juicy good quality blackcurrant fruit, stones and lift. Good distinctive character. You can really taste the quality here.

Score: 94 - 96

Albany Vintners, - 27 April 2011

With a pH of 3.62, the Grand Vin is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the bouquet is very intense and focused, stricter than the 2009 last year with blackberry, a touch of cassis and a hint of boysenberry. Fine delineation, the mineralité beginning to emerge after one minute in the glass. One is immediately struck by the almost citrus-like freshness on the entry, tight at first but then fanning out beautifully across the mouth towards the wonderfully structured finish that has more tension than it knows what to do with. Very persistent, very long. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Tasted April 2011.

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 22 April 2011

Really ripe, but with great focus, as linzer torte, blackberry, plum sauce and anise notes are woven tightly together, all carried by tar and graphite, with a long, seamless finish.

Score: 93 - 96

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 05 April 2011

Rich tobacco leaf cassis fruit, superb balance of natural vineyard concentration and elegance, already showing fragrance and charm, a notable success for this château.

Score: 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2030 01 April 2011

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