2010 Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan

Pre-Arrival

100JD

99DC

98JA

98RP

96WS

94ST

$229.99

Pre-Arrival: Estimated to be available for delivery or pickup by a future date.

15 Available for Purchase

100

Jeb Dunnuck

Reviewed October 2023

A tour de force from Pessac-Leognan, the 2010 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte matches the 2009 in terms of quality but possesses a more dense, powerful, compact style. Absolutely heavenly aromatics of blackcurrants, cassis, smoked tobacco, scorched earth, and truffle all define the aromatics, and it takes air to show at its best today. With full-bodied richness, massive concentration, and building tannins, it's flawless balanced, has an insane level of purity, and incredible length on the finish. This brilliant, brilliant Graves will evolve gracefully for another 40+ years, although it's insanely good today. Don't miss it.

Professional Reviews

Decanter

Review Date: 06/2021

The 2010 is a remarkable wine and is a testament to all the efforts of the Cathiard family and their team. Complex and dense, the bouquet reveals a gorgeous array of blackcurrants, graphite, smoke, spices, gum trees, tobacco and liquorice. Full of freshness also. Dense and concentrated, the palate possesses an elegant tannic frame, with a deep and perfectly balanced structure. The finish is endless, fresh and slightly minty. Superb! (YC)

Jane Anson

Review Date: 06/2023

A muscular, tannin-packed vintage that came at a moment when Smith Haut Lafitte was building in renown, with the work undertaken by the Cathiards fully come though in the glass. The intensity and concentration of 2010 also benefits from the dash of glamour that this château specialises in, so you get the layers of grapite and cassis softened by spiced plum, vanilla bean and bitter chocolate. Drawn out and tightly gripped, with a sense of drama. One to savour, with no rush to begin drinking.

Wine Advocate

Review Date: 03/2020

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte delivers notes of baked plums, boysenberries and dried mulberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, new leather and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate has firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the maturing fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note. (LPB)

Staff Reviews

Ralph Sands

The high-toned dark fruit and tight zippy structure really stand out. At UGC: Round, tasty, but serious. Best ever to me. **

Notes

98+ points, Robert Parker: "This is an extraordinary performance once again from the Cathiard family, the proprietors of Smith-Haut-Lafitte. They think the 2010 is even better than the 2009. (I disagree, but only slightly.) This wine has laser-like definition in its an remarkable nose of a subtle charcoal fire interwoven with spring flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur and spicy wood. Full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, long, rich and moderately tannic, this wine is set for an exceptionally long life of 30-40 years but can be drunk in 5-7." (2//2013)

Details

Origin	Pessac-Leognan/Graves, Bordeaux, France
Type/Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends
SKU	1067247

Your wine. Your timing.

Take possession when your pre-arrivals are ready, or choose managed storage with RareStorage.

60 days free on K&L purchases. Then $0.40 per bottle/month. $9.50 monthly minimum.

Set pre-arrival preference Details & rates