Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Léognan 2019 Rouge

Surrounded by forests, hedges, and hives

“Sumptuous, seductive and extremely poised. This inches forward with layers of bitter chocolate, smoked caramel, liquorice root, fresh mint leaf, rosebud and black truffle. Behind all this sits caressing, slate-filled tannins that give real grip to the palate. Within 15 minutes of opening you feel even more volume in the mid palate, before things close in towards a mouthwatering salinity on the finish. Shows why Le Petit Smith Haut-Lafitte is so exceptional in this vintage. Full of signature Smith Haut Lafitte gloss, but this is also a serious wine that will reward ageing. 60% new oak.” - Jane Anson 99

Jancis Robinson 17,5

Wine Advocate 96 (drinking window 2026-2055)

Decanter 95

About The Winery

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Graves, south of the city of Bordeaux, in the commune of Martillac. The estate dates back to the 14th century, when the Du Bosq family planted vines on a gravel plateau known as Lafitte. In the 18th century the Scottish merchant Georges Smith acquired the property, added his name to the estate and built the manor house. In 1958 the château was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer company, and in 1990 it was acquired by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who carried out extensive renovation of both the vineyards and the winery. The estate is classified as a Cru Classé de Graves for both red and white wines.

The vineyard covers about 87 hectares in a single block surrounding the château and is planted with seven Bordeaux grape varieties used for both red and white wines. The red vineyard is planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, while the white vineyard (about 11 ha) is planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon. The terroir is based on deep Günz gravel soils typical of Graves, with layers of sand and limestone underneath, providing excellent drainage and heat retention that helps grapes ripen. The estate practices organic viticulture and biodynamic methods and has been certified organic since 2019, with compost, herbal treatments and horse ploughing used in parts of the vineyard to protect soil health.

Vinification

At Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a vat room using only gravity flow has been in operation since 2013 in order to keep the grapes intact. Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel. Red wines are fermented in small wooden vats, allowing precise control of extraction for each plot. The wines are then aged for about 18 months in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new oak. For the white wines, fermentation takes place in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts, followed by ageing on the lees with bâtonnage before finishing in the tank prior to bottling.

On the nose, this 2019 Rouge reveals expressive aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, graphite, and spice. The palate is structured yet refined, offering concentrated flavors of ripe dark fruit, gentle earthiness, and subtle mineral undertones supported by polished tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of fruit, oak, and spice.

Best served at cellar temperature and decanted before serving, Château Smith Haut Lafitte pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled steak, game dishes, and aged cheeses. Its balance of power and finesse makes it ideal for both refined dinners and memorable wine occasions.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant evening in Dubai Marina or enjoying a special dinner in Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi, Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Léognan 2019 Rouge is an exceptional choice. With CityDrinks, the UAE’s leading online liquor store, you can have this distinguished Bordeaux delivered straight to your door in just two hours.