Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Smith Haut Lafitte - 1995

Viniou Reviews

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1995 is a distinguished red wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves subregion of Bordeaux, France. This Grand Cru bursts with the classic character expected from this historic estate. The 1995 vintage draws primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, blended harmoniously with Merlot and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Ageing in French oak barrels, much of it new, has imparted subtle spice and refinement to the wine, enhancing its inherent structure and allowing tertiary notes to emerge as it matures. Expect a compelling bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, dried tobacco leaf, and hints of earthy undergrowth, with the palate revealing fine-grained tannins and elegant balance. Now many years into its evolution, this vintage expresses both the vigour of its youth and the sophistication that comes with patient cellaring.

Pessac-Léognan, located just south of Bordeaux city, is renowned for its gravelly soils—hence the name 'Graves'—comprised of quartz pebbles and sandy clay, which confer remarkable drainage and help retain heat. This terroir fosters robust ripening and concentration in the grapes while maintaining freshness and complexity. The region is steeped in history, boasting some of Bordeaux’s oldest vineyards and a unique microclimate moderated by the nearby forests and the Garonne and Ciron rivers. These conditions favour the cultivation of both red and white grape varieties, yet the reds, especially from top châteaux, are admired for their aromatic depth and ability to age gracefully.

For pairings, this elegant red is a natural companion to classic French cuisine. Consider serving with roasted lamb shoulder infused with Provençal herbs, duck magret, or a traditional entrecôte Bordelaise. The wine’s complexity also complements earthy mushrooms, mature cheeses like Comté, or a rich wild game stew. For a regional match, the robust flavours of Bordeaux’s own ‘cèpes à la bordelaise’ (sautéed wild mushrooms with garlic and parsley) would be superb.

To fully appreciate its bouquet and subtlety, decant Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1995 for an hour and serve at 16-18°C. This will allow the evolved aromas and supple textures to unfurl gracefully, offering a memorable tasting experience.