Château Smith Haut Lafitte Grand Cru Classé Rouge 2020

Château Smith Haut Lafitte Grand Cru Classé 2020 - Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

A powerful and refined expression of one of Bordeaux’s great Graves estates, the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte combines classic Left Bank structure with intense fruit concentration and minerally pedigree. Deep ruby-purple in colour, the wine opens with expressive notes of blackcurrant, plum, cedar and violet, underpinned by subtle spice, tobacco and graphite. On the palate the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with rich dark fruit framed by polished, cashmere-like tannins and vibrant acidity that carries through a long, layered finish - elegant yet substantial, with excellent ageing potential. The blend leans predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, backed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and reflects both the estate’s gravelly Günzien terroir and meticulous biodynamic-influenced viticulture. 

Grape varieties: ~65% Cabernet Sauvignon, ~30% Merlot, ~4% Cabernet Franc, ~1% Petit Verdot 

Style: Dry red, structured Bordeaux

Drink window: 2028–2045+

Perfect for: Roast lamb, venison, grilled ribeye, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses

Critic scores:

95-97 points - Falstaff 

95+ points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (noted as structured and profound) 

95-96 points - Peter Moser (balance, ripe fruit, mineral depth) 

Powerful yet elegant - a sumptuous Smith Haut Lafitte in a stellar vintage that delivers classic Pessac-Léognan depth, structure and longevity.