Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2006

Date of Tasting: 28 June 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Pessac-Leognan (Grand Cru Classe de Graves)

Expect to Pay: ~ USD70 - 100

Web: http://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com/.
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 6/10
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100,  WS - 92/100, FS - 91/100, WE - 90/100, JR - 17/20, DC - 16/20

Appearance: dark crimson

Aroma: ripe dark berries

Palate: smoky, toasty, and oaky with blackberry and dark cherry flavour. additional dimension of tobacco, espresso, and vanilla spices. soft, round and rich. smooth texture and silky dry tannins. mid-heavy body.

This is an elegant bottle of cabernet sauvignon/merlot base wine, not really the big and bold style. The admirable sides are purity and soft texture. However, I suspect this wine would reveal its potential better with more time in cellar. If you have some, let them sit quietly for a few more years before awaken them up. Otherwise, make sure of long decanting. Enjoy.

Score Explanation

95+ = classic and extraordinary

90+ = outstanding in its class

85+ = recommended wine with some degree of enjoyment

80+ = drinkable occasionally

WA = Wine Advocate
WS = Wine Spectator
WE = Wine Enthusiast
JR = Jancis Robinson
DC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
BH = Burghound
FS = Falstaff Magazine