{"product_id":"0001-6735","title":"Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e75cl * 14%ABV * Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmith Haut Lafitte is a Chateau that has been reformed in recent decades to become one of the shining lights of the Pessac-Leognan region. The vines average 38 years of age and are planted on Gunzian gravel soils. Each parcel is matured for 18 months in oak barrels, of which 60% is new oak, before blending. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e'The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a deep garnet color. It bursts onto the scene with dramatic notes of crème de cassis, blueberry compote, and chocolate-covered cherries, plus suggestions of star anise, lavender, and fallen leaves, with a touch of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in elegance and sophistication, framed by exquisitely ripe, plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and with an achingly beautiful perfume.' \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (December 2022)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eThe blackcurrant and blueberry aromas are lifted and beautiful. Lots of flowers, too, together with some mushroom and dried-flower undertones. Full-bodied with firm and very silky tannins giving a lovely texture. Bright acidity lifts the finish and gives it drive and force. Better after 2025.\" \u003cstrong\u003e97 pts, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (February 2019)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"This is gorgeous, extremely ripe, tight, fresh and rich. It has clear, deep tannins and a thrilling tension that slices right through the ripe, autumnal fruit and teases out the finish. There are true layers to the wine, with flavours of cassis, liquorice and charcoal, demonstrating a reserved power that keeps on delivering. The tannin count is at a full 100IPT, a touch higher than in 2010 but they just float along, offering the perfect resistance and interest in your mouth. Technical director Fabien Teitgen used 10% stems in the vinification for 2016, utilising organic winemaking methods. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet franc and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new oak barrels. 3.6pH. Drinking Window 2027 - 2050\" \u003cstrong\u003e97pts, Jane Anson, Decanter.com (April 2017)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eTasted blind. Sweet and rather glorious. Pure pleasure and with both potential and current enjoyment. But could do with a little more freshness.\u003cbr\u003eDrink 2025 – 2042\" \u003cstrong\u003e17pts, Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (February 2020)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"France : Bordeaux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56509895147894,"sku":"0001-6735","price":199.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0437\/0215\/7464\/files\/download__30_-removebg-preview.png?v=1761134892","url":"https:\/\/www.tauruswines.co.uk\/products\/0001-6735","provider":"Taurus Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}