Château Smith Haut Lafitte
About Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Smith-Haut-Lafitte was bought by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990. But its prestigious history dates back to 1365 when the first vines were planted. George Smith bought the Graves estate in 1720, adding his name to the property. After renovating the estate, the Cathiards now live in the 18th century chartreuse dating from George Smith’s time. Over the years, the Cathiards have invested hugely to modernize Smith Haut-Lafitte. In 1995 they built their own cooperage, allowing them produce 70% of their own barrels to their exacting specifications.
They have also created state-of-the-art wine making facilities. In 2009 they were one of the first estates to use “Oenoview” satellite imagery system to assess grape ripeness. They also make use of the latest optical sorting technology. These efforts have seen quality, and critical acclaim, leap upwards - culminating in a perfect 100 score from Wine Advocate for the 2009 vintage. Today the vineyard is organic and self-sustainable, with an eye to biodynamic farming techniques. These efforts are led by Fabien Teitgen, the Technical Director for all the Cathiard properties is an integral part of their estate’s success.
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James Suckling (91-92)
This is a new second wine made at Smith Haut-Lafitte, but a different style from the other one called Haut Smith. This is 55 percent Cabernet Sauvingon and the rest Merlot. Full and rich with a sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, coffee and fruit character. Ripe and round tannins.HK$4,720.00 -
James Suckling (94)
Beautiful aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries and dark chocolate. Some hot stones. Full-bodied, dense and chewy yet polished and juicy. Shows pretty length and density. Very clean and focused. Precise. Better in 2021.HK$2,755.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.HK$5,015.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.HK$1,580.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage in the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte. A powerful, deep wine, the 2018 possesses terrific energy as well as a good deal of Cabernet savoriness. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years as it is tightly wound today. Black cherry, blackberry jam, cloves, licorice and chocolate give this imposing red a real feeling of somber intensity.HK$1,625.00 -
The Wine Independent (94)
The 2019 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little coaxing to bring out notes of blackcurrant pastilles, stewed black and red cherries, and baking spices, leading to an earthy undercurrent of mossy tree bark and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a very serious backbone of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the taut black fruits, finishing on a mineral-tinged note. This wine should age well!HK$1,360.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall structure. There's terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character.HK$1,850.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall structure. There's terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character.HK$1,310.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (92)
You'll find a greater difference in quality than in a typical vintage between this and Hauts de Smith, with greater clarity of expression and rich aromatics here. Blueberry, raspberry leaf, lemongrass and campfire smoke, with salted cracker salinity on the finish. This is where you fid the sweet stuff in 2021 - not by looking for ripe fruit but by going long on juicy, elegant, well balanced savoury fruit that has plenty of character. A great 2nd wine that is worth seeking out. 30% new oak.HK$1,480.00 -
(6x150cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
This has a big structure of polished tannins that are energetic and punchy. Medium to full body with beautiful blackcurrants, as well as dark tobacco and wet earth. Chewy at the end, but a pointed and focused finish. More structured than 2022. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. From organically grown grapes.HK$2,826.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This has a big structure of polished tannins that are energetic and punchy. Medium to full body with beautiful blackcurrants, as well as dark tobacco and wet earth. Chewy at the end, but a pointed and focused finish. More structured than 2022. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. From organically grown grapes.HK$1,215.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2014 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc is wonderfully aromatic and fragrant. White flowers, lemon peel, lychee and mint inform a perfumed, crisp white to drink in its youth. The Petit Haut Lafitte is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon, all done in barrel with some lees stirring, but no malolactic fermentation. This is the brightest of the estate's whites.HK$3,105.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A dense, layered white with cooked-apple, honey and lemon aromas and flavors. Layered and flavorful with a zingy, mineral finish. 80% sauvignon with 20% semillon.HK$1,795.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Both fresh and ripe with pleasing notes of green mangoes, papayas, limes and kiwi. Flint and shells, too. Medium-bodied with excellent tension and a textured finish. 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon. From organically grown grapes.HK$2,005.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
Good vibration here, with edgy, fresh acidity that makes it long and vivid. It's medium-bodied and tight, with sliced lemon and green apple and stone character. Better than 2022? 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon.HK$3,718.00 -
(6x150cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
Good vibration here, with edgy, fresh acidity that makes it long and vivid. It's medium-bodied and tight, with sliced lemon and green apple and stone character. Better than 2022? 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon.HK$3,818.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Good vibration here, with edgy, fresh acidity that makes it long and vivid. It's medium-bodied and tight, with sliced lemon and green apple and stone character. Better than 2022? 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon.HK$2,165.00 -
Decanter (93)
This is the best ‘just crack on and drink it’ white wine in Bordeaux in my opinion. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it’s so full of exotic fruits and fragrant white flowers, with seductive aromatics. Juicy and mouthwatering, easy to enjoy.HK$2,100.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is a very pretty wine that shows the richer side of Sauvignon Blanc off to great effect. Pear, white peach, tangerine oil and sweet floral notes are nicely delineated. This has come together nicely with élevage. The balance of rich, textured fruit and brightness is impeccable.HK$1,800.00 -
HK$780.00 -
(12x75cl) 2000Wine Advocate (95)
One can’t say enough about this winery, which may still fly under the radar of most consumers. The fully mature 2000 displays gorgeous aromas of camphor, lead pencil shavings, unsmoked tobacco, plums, and black currants. With full body, a velvety texture, and beautiful weight, richness, and length, this superb wine should evolve, possibly improve for another 15 years. It’s a beauty!HK$17,495.00 -
The Wine Independent (99)
The 2005 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, it slips confidently out of the glass with notes of creme de cassis, baked plums, cracked black pepper, and pencil shavings, plus wafts of sandalwood and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush and juicy, featuring soft acidity and a long, beautifully poised finish. In a sweet spot for drinking now, this can cellar a further 20 years+.HK$15,280.00 -
(1x75cl) 2005The Wine Independent (99)
The 2005 Smith Haut Lafitte rouge is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, it slips confidently out of the glass with notes of creme de cassis, baked plums, cracked black pepper, and pencil shavings, plus wafts of sandalwood and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush and juicy, featuring soft acidity and a long, beautifully poised finish. In a sweet spot for drinking now, this can cellar a further 20 years+.HK$1,405.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
I think the greatest Smith Haut Lafitte to date (possibly matched by the 2018), the 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte tastes like it did on release, offering a smorgasbord of Graves magic in its smoked blackcurrants, chocolate, cold fireplace, truffle, unsmoked tobacco, and Asian spices. While this is a big, rich, incredibly concentrated Graves, it nevertheless maintains a beautiful level of nuance and elegance, with silky tannins, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, and a heavenly finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with all truly great wines, it delivers an incredible amount of pleasure, both hedonistic and intellectual, all while staying weightless, graceful, and elegant. Hats off to the Cathiard family and winemaker Fabien Teitgen for this legendary Graves!HK$25,460.00 -
(1x600cl) 2009
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
I think the greatest Smith Haut Lafitte to date (possibly matched by the 2018), the 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte tastes like it did on release, offering a smorgasbord of Graves magic in its smoked blackcurrants, chocolate, cold fireplace, truffle, unsmoked tobacco, and Asian spices. While this is a big, rich, incredibly concentrated Graves, it nevertheless maintains a beautiful level of nuance and elegance, with silky tannins, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, and a heavenly finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with all truly great wines, it delivers an incredible amount of pleasure, both hedonistic and intellectual, all while staying weightless, graceful, and elegant. Hats off to the Cathiard family and winemaker Fabien Teitgen for this legendary Graves!HK$32,335.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
I think the greatest Smith Haut Lafitte to date (possibly matched by the 2018), the 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte tastes like it did on release, offering a smorgasbord of Graves magic in its smoked blackcurrants, chocolate, cold fireplace, truffle, unsmoked tobacco, and Asian spices. While this is a big, rich, incredibly concentrated Graves, it nevertheless maintains a beautiful level of nuance and elegance, with silky tannins, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, and a heavenly finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with all truly great wines, it delivers an incredible amount of pleasure, both hedonistic and intellectual, all while staying weightless, graceful, and elegant. Hats off to the Cathiard family and winemaker Fabien Teitgen for this legendary Graves!HK$14,450.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
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.HK$15,456.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
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.HK$9,470.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The grand vin, the 2011 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is another great successes (and that’s saying something after the remarkable duo of 2009 and 2010 as well as the brilliant 2008). This wine exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, mulberries, licorice and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, nicely integrated acidity, wood and alcohol, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45 seconds, this brilliant wine should drink well for 15-20 years.HK$4,490.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
A dark, sensual wine, the 2012 Smith Haut Lafitte boasts marvelous depth and textural richness. Dark red stone fruits, leather, smoke, tobacco, gravel and herbs are laced together in an expansive wine endowed with terrific purity. The tannins are going to need at least a few years to soften, but there is clearly quite a bit to look forward to.HK$8,255.00
