2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte
By Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte
2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte from Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
Enveloped in the gravelly embrace of Pessac-Léognan, the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte from Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte manifests a vintage that cunningly navigates the whims of a challenging year. It was a year that asked much from its vignerons: to bring forth a wine of notable character in the wake of frost that markedly thinned the ranks of grapes across Bordeaux. Yet, amidst adversity, this vintage emerged with dignified assurance.
Defiant Complexity: A Singular Expression
What defines the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is its charismatic defiance – a complexity born from selective yields and precise vinification. This vintage captures an expression that is both tailored by human touch and dictated by nature's caprice. It flaunts an aromatic tapestry rich with dark fruit notes cradled alongside subtle smoky undertones.
A Vintage Sculpted by Extremes
The caprice of 2017's climate – from frost to drought – carved out a sculptural niche for this vintage. It whispers tales of terroir resilience, with each sip unfolding layers of nuanced flavour more typical of milder years. The wine exudes an elegance laced with vibrant acidity and tannic backbone which promises it to be an attractive option among fine wine investors looking for depth as well as splendid aging potential.
The structured profile of this proud Pessac-Leognan prodigy makes it an expressive candidate for cellaring. While some Bordeaux counterparts may shy away from the sterner conditions that marked 2017, the Smith-Haut-Lafitte from Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte stands its ground - composed, confident and complex.
In conclusion, those keen to delve into a Bordeaux that quixotically bears the weight of challenge and emerges unfettered will find solace in the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Its combined attributes of rarity, refinement, and robust future make it one to consider carefully for inclusion in a discerning investment portfolio.
Market price (CAD)
$1,291.50
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
48.5
Scores and tasting notes
This is a solid Smith for the vintage with blackberry and blackcurrant character. Full to medium body, firm and silky tannins and a lingering finish. Excellent potential here.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte is easily one of the highlights of the vintage. Dense, unctuous and impeccably balanced, the 2017 exudes depth from start to finish. Charcoal embers, graphite, menthol, licorice and sage add myriad shades of nuance to the plush, unctuous dark raspberry jam fruit. This is a super impressive showing from Smith Haut Lafitte. I tasted the 2017 two times. On both occasions, the wine showed tremendous aromatic and flavor depth.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte opens slowly to reveal complex notes of crushed black cherries, black currants and wild blueberries with touches of lavender, pencil lead, cast iron pan and a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied and elegant with great freshness and quiet intensity, it has firm, grainy tannins and a sustained yet ethereal mid-palate, with a long, energetic, mineral-laced finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte was not affected by frost and is therefore a classic blend matured in 60% new oak. The bouquet demands a little encouragement from the glass this year, eventually opening with floral scents, more iris than violet, flanked by blackberry and bilberry. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin that comes across just a little chalky in style. This feels very cohesive and comes replete with a detailed and nuanced finish that might lack the flair and volume of the 2016, but it is certainly sustained and persistent. Give this four to five years in bottle and subject to optimal barrel maturation this may well land at the top of my banded score.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
This has a good core of dark plum and blackberry fruit, with a twinge of licorice snap mixed in. A hint of bramble on the finish, with the vintage’s refined, fresh acidity as well.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
There was less than 15% of frost loss here. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Les Hauts de Smith is deep garnet-purple in color with expressive crème de cassis, plum preserves and blueberry pie scents plus touches of spice box, dusty earth and unsmoked cigars. Medium-bodied and giving up a lot of vibrant red and black fruits in the mouth, it has a soft, rounded-tannins backbone and refreshing lift to the finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com