Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Cru Classé, Pessac-Léognan 1996

Bottle Size: 75cl

Region: France: Bordeaux Left Bank

Colour: Red

Style: Still

Grape Variety: Bordeaux Blend Red

This wine is already showing exceptionally well, even though it is not close to its plateau of maturity. The deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of roasted herbs intermixed with sweet black currant fruit, truffles, vanillin, and minerals. Lush, with ripe cassis fruit on the attack, outstanding balance, medium body, and layers of intensity, this is an elegant, graceful, smoothly textured, beautifully made Bordeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2018. Since the acquisition of this estate by the Cathiard family, this property has become one of Bordeaux's success stories, producing elegant, flavorful, complex, very complete wines.Tasted February 1998. 90 Points Robert M. Parker, Jr, The Wine Advocate.