Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge 2005, which is a Grand Cru Classé in Graves, is a Bordeaux Blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, south of Bordeaux. Between March and August 2005, 227 mm of rainfall was recorded, and the cumulative summer temperature reached 1,052°C. The harvest period was long, allowing for sequential harvesting as each vineyard ripened. Fabien Teitgen, the technical director, aged the wine in 90% new oak barrels.
It is best enjoyed by 2044. If opening a bottle, it's best to decant it for about an hour beforehand.
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.
