Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2010

Appellation: Pessac-Leognan

2010 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is a deep, concentrated, nearly black color. The bouquet displays a range of red and black fruit aromas, as well as ones reminiscent of spice and warm herbs. With aeration, the wine reveals magnificent black fruit, licorice, clove, and graphite nuances. The wine starts out firm and straightforward on the palate. It is huge, but in no way austere. Its power comes through in a full-bodied flavor profile with a long aftertaste. The tannin is rich and silky, and the texture is well-defined thanks to ripe tannin and a careful control during extraction. The wine has an extremely well-focused structure and taste. The long aftertaste of licorice, red fruit, and black fruit also features more subtle underlying flavors of hot stones and warm earth. This 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is undoubtedly one of the finest wines the estate has ever made.

"The 2010 is a remarkable wine and is a testament to all the efforts of the Cathiard family and their team. Complex and dense, the bouquet reveals a gorgeous array of blackcurrants, graphite, smoke, spices, gum trees, tobacco and liquorice. Full of freshness also. Dense and concentrated, the palate possesses an elegant tannic frame, with a deep and perfectly balanced structure. The finish is endless, fresh and slightly minty. Superb!" - Decanter, 99 points

"Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte delivers notes of baked plums, boysenberries and dried mulberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, new leather and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate has firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the maturing fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note." - RP, 98 points

"Gorgeous, with alluring black tea and warm ganache notes that unfurl slowly, while the core of intense steeped plum, anise, blackberry compote and black currant confiture sits patiently in reserve. The beautiful loam-, tobacco- and tar-filled finish displays major heft, but also remarkable polish and grace. Should age very slowly. Best from 2018 through 2035." - Wine Spectator, 96 points

"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." - James Suckling, 95 points