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My Rating (circle) :
Date Printed: 1/9/2009
(search item no. 91096)
collectible wine
The Wine Advocate rating: 93 points
PRICE ON 1/9/2009: $57.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2005 The Wine Advocate rating: 95 points
2003 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2003 The Wine Advocate rating: 92 points
2001 The Wine Advocate rating: 92 points
2000 The Wine Advocate rating: 94 points
2000 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 "A sensational effort and one of the stars of the vintage, Smith-Haut-Lafitte's 2004 possesses an inky/blue/purple-tinged color as well as a sumptuous nose of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberries, and blackberries. Surprisingly full-bodied for the vintage with stunning concentration, purity, and overall harmony, this is another brilliant wine from the proprietors, the Cathiards, who have done such a spectacular job at this estate since the early 1990s. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
93 points

"Deep red. Roasted red fruits, smoked meat, tobacco and a note of truffle on the expressive nose. Sweet and rather primary, with classic Pessac-Leognan flavors of iron, woodsmoke, hot stones and tobacco. Broad and smooth for the year, if not quite as dense as the young 2006. Finishes with lovely ripe tannins and lingering sweetness. This will offer early pleasure."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
90 points

"Lots of blackberry, spice and tobacco on the nose, with hints of cigar box. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a dark chocolate and fruit aftertaste. Balanced and caressing. Best after 2009."
Wine Spectator
90 points
My Notes:

About Château Smith Haut Lafitte:

 Thanks to its 55 hectares of superb gravelly vineyards, Smith Haut Lafitte is often referred to as the "archetypical Graves." The estate's history goes back to the Crusades, and a Scottish navigator, George Smith, who became the owner of the estate in the 18th century. He was followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, and then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper.

In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard also fell under the spell of this beautiful estate. Since then, they have restored the 16th century tower, renovated the 18th century manor house, built two underground cellars, went back to traditional vine growing methods without chemical herbicides and set up their own cooperage. The perfect elegance, excellent balance and fine structure of Smith Haut Lafitte's red and white wines are the ultimate reflection of the current owners' total commitment to quality.