Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan 2008

International Bordeaux-Style wines

Sold for

ZAR 2 932
Lot 224
  • Smith Haut Lafitte; Pessac-Léognan; 2008; 1 (1 x 1); 750ml


Lot Estimate Change Currency
ZAR 2 800 - 4 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 2 932
Location
Wine Storage
Delivery
Delivery within South Africa included
Shipping

About this Item

Pessac-Léognan 2008
1 (1 x 1) 750ml
The 2008 Left Bank harvest produced wines of genuine finesse and mineral elegance, and Château Smith Haut Lafitte’s 2008 earned 92/100 from Robert Parker, who called it one of the stars of the vintage, and 94/100 from Neal Martin, who found it a multi-layered Pessac of the top order with gorgeous, ripe and seductive aromatics and a superbly polished, harmonious structure. Parker noted its surprisingly forward character for a Smith Haut Lafitte, with impressive finesse and purity, while Neal Martin praised its smooth, supple tannins and very focused finish. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, its origins traceable to the Du Boscq family who first planted vines on the gravelly Lafitte plateau in 1365 and George Smith, the Scotsman who acquired the estate in 1720 and added his name to it. Since 1990 it has been owned and transformed by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who introduced organic and biodynamic farming and established an on-site cooperage. The 2008 blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Provenance

The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.

David studied and tasted Bordeaux more than any other region and he purchased en-primeur, or pre-release, for more than 3 decades. He bought the great vintages, loved magnums, and enjoyed the sweet wines of Sauternes. The cellar contains the famous names, but also highly regarded but lesser-known Chateaux and appellations.

For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@winecellar.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.

Critics Ratings

“One of the stars of the vintage, this elegant, smoky wine has hints of barbecue pit intermixed with sweet black currants and cherries. Dark purple and medium to full-bodied, its impressive finesse and wonderful purity make for a surprisingly forward style.” - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (May 2011)

“A gorgeous, ripe, seductive bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, black plum and a touch of vanilla. There is still some oak to be subsumed here, but it will be worth the wait. The palate is very polished with smooth, supple tannins, very focused and harmonious. A multi-layered Pessac of the top order.” - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Jan 2011)

View all Smith Haut Lafitte lots for sale in this auction