The 2019 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2019 is the second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, offering a polished and expressive take on Pessac-Léognan. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark plum are layered with notes of violets, cedar and subtle tobacco, giving the wine both freshness and aromatic complexity.

On the palate it is medium to full-bodied with ripe black-fruit flavours, fine-grained tannins and a lively acidity that provides balance and structure. Hints of spice, graphite and gentle oak lead into a long, refined finish, delivering a wine that combines depth, elegance and classic Bordeaux character.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s great red wine varieties, prized for its structure, longevity and unmistakable sense of authority. Naturally high in tannin and acidity, it produces wines with depth and backbone, often built around dark fruit flavours such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, alongside classic notes of cedar, tobacco and graphite. These qualities make Cabernet particularly well suited to ageing, where time in bottle softens its frame and allows greater complexity to emerge. While famously associated with Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon expresses itself differently across regions and climates. In warmer areas it shows generosity and ripeness, with plush fruit and a warming richness; in cooler climates, it leans towards restraint, freshness and aromatic lift. What unites all great examples is their ability to reward patience — whether through decanting to allow the wine to open fully, or through years in the cellar. Cabernet is a wine for slower enjoyment, unfolding gradually and offering more with every glass.

Merlot

One of the world’s most widely planted and approachable red grape varieties, forming the backbone of many wines from Bordeaux, particularly on the Right Bank. Known for its generous fruit and soft texture, it typically shows flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry, often complemented by notes of chocolate, spice and subtle herbs. Medium to full bodied with smooth tannins and moderate acidity, Merlot produces wines that are supple, rounded and easy to enjoy, both on their own and as part of a blend. It plays a key role in adding richness and approachability to Bordeaux wines, while in warmer regions it can deliver plush, fruit-forward styles, and in cooler climates, more structured and elegant expressions.