Le Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge 2005, Grand Cru Classé des Graves, est un assemblage bordelais à base de cabernet sauvignon et de merlot, situé au sud de Bordeaux. Entre mars et août 2005, 227 mm de précipitations ont été enregistrés et la température estivale cumulée a atteint 1 052 °C. La période des vendanges a été longue, ce qui a permis de procéder à des récoltes échelonnées au fur et à mesure de la maturation de chaque parcelle. Fabien Teitgen, le directeur technique, a élevé ce vin dans des fûts de chêne neufs à 90 %.
Il se dégustera de préférence d’ici 2044. Si vous ouvrez une bouteille, il est conseillé de la décanter environ une heure à l’avance.
Robert Parker (98)
This sensational, opaque blue/purple-colored wine from Smith Haut Lafitte has a gorgeous floral nose with notes of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, and cassis that jump from the glass of this inky, very dense, yet strikingly pure wine. Light on its feet despite its stunning concentration and multi-layered mouthfeel, this wine has fabulous intensity, richness and length. Quite impressive, and still incredibly youthful, this is a superstar of the vintage, and capable of lasting another 25-30 years.
James Suckling (95)
An impressive nose of spices, dark fruits, and fresh forest flowers. Full-bodied, this has a solid core of fruit and super polished tannins. A fabulous wine, showing great structure and harmony, and a long, long finish. Beautiful stuff.
Rene Gabriel (19)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 19/20 points.
Falstaff (93)
Deep dark ruby garnet, almost black core, violet reflections, hints of fine Swiss chocolate on the nose, very sweet, inviting fruit, suggestive and sexy. Very complex on the palate, the tannins are well woven in, wonderful nougat, but also a fresh acidity, great length. Will be ready to drink early, can be enjoyed all the longer to the full. - BEST BUY
Jane Anson (94)
Notably deeper in colour than the earlier vintages in the lineup, we are heading firmly towards the modern era of Smith Haut Lafitte, with more precision in the vineyard and cellar. Tannins remain tight on the opening and this is impressive, with fennel, bitter aniseed and roasted rosemary spice. The texture is notably more supple also, and the architecture impressive. Winemaking in evidence, making it just slightly less in the spirit of the supremely balanced 2005 vintage. 90% new oak. Fabien Teitgen technical director.
