Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge 2017 represents the esteemed second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Grand Cru Classé de Graves situated in the heart of Pessac-Léognan. Sourced from younger vines and specific parcels within the estate's gravelly terroir, this cuvée offers an earlier-drinking expression of the château's profound winemaking philosophy. The 2017 vintage, while challenging, yielded wines of notable freshness and aromatic precision, reflecting careful vineyard management and judicious selection. Crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail as its Grand Vin, it undergoes a similar vinification and ageing regime, typically involving a proportion of new French oak, ensuring structure and complexity.
Tasting notes
The 2017 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge presents a vibrant ruby hue. On the nose, it offers an aromatic spectrum of dark berries—cassis and blackberry—intertwined with subtle notes of cedar, graphite, and a hint of tobacco leaf, characteristic of its Pessac-Léognan origins. The palate is medium-bodied, showcasing a refined structure with polished tannins and a refreshing acidity that underscores its elegance. Flavours echo the nose, with a core of dark fruit complemented by earthy undertones and a touch of spice from its oak maturation. The finish is persistent, demonstrating balance and a readiness for enjoyment in its youth, while possessing the capacity for further development over the medium term.