2023 Château Smith Haut-Lafitte Les Hauts de Smith Bordeaux Rosé

The Château Smith Haut-Lafitte Les Hauts de Smith Bordeaux Rosé is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. This Bordeaux rosé is produced in very small quantities. This Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot, the first vinified as white by direct pressing, the second as red by "bleeding", offers Les Hauts de Smith Rosé a beautiful setting. Here the colour comes into its own, the pink is expressed in a light and salmon-coloured hue and is accompanied by beautiful fruity aromas, strawberry and raspberry, but also flowers. Dynamic, fresh, with a perfect balance between tension and viscosity, this intense rosé is perfect at the table. This wine is versatile enough to combine with spicier food, such as Thai and Indian cuisine, yet casual enough to combine with a burger or barbecue, fish or summer dishes, but also great to enjoy on its own.

FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.

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1. Salade Niçoise with tuna and green beans

The fresh acidity and red fruit aromas in the rosé complement the salty and spicy elements of this classic. Tuna, anchovies, olives and a mustard dressing provide sufficient body without overpowering the wine.

2. Grilled chicken with Provencal herbs and couscous

The spicy notes in the wine are enhanced by rosemary, thyme and oregano. The mild taste of chicken allows the refinement of the rosé to come into its own, while couscous with lemon and vegetables provides a fresh balance.

3. Roasted beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts

The earthy flavour of beetroot contrasts beautifully with the fruity freshness of the wine. Goat cheese adds creaminess, and the nuts provide texture. This combination shows how rosé can also shine with vegetarian dishes.

4. Shrimp with lime, garlic and coriander

The lively acidity and fresh character of the wine perfectly complement the citrus and light spiciness of this dish. The shrimps take up the fruity notes beautifully and keep it light and summery.

5. Tuna tataki with sesame and soy dressing

The umami of soy and the lightly roasted taste of sesame ask for a wine with sufficient structure and freshness. The rosé holds its own against these powerful flavors, while the acids bring everything nicely into balance.

6. Veal sweetbreads with morels and a creamy Noilly Prat sauce

An unexpected, luxurious combination where the wine holds up surprisingly well. The subtle complexity of the rosé forms a refined counterbalance to the rich, earthy flavours of the dish.

ABOUT SMITH HAUT LAFITTE

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Grand Cru Classé property within the Pessac-Léognan appellation that needs little to no introduction. The wines from this estate captivate many a drinker and critic, and the versatility of this remarkable terroir is to be celebrated. It is one of the few estates in Bordeaux that produces red, white and rosé wines of outstanding quality. The property has a long history in Bordeaux dating back over 800 years. It was originally part of the Du Bosq estate in the Graves region. The Du Bosqs were the first to plant vines on the gravel plateau of Lafitte in 1365. The property was purchased in 1720 by a man named George Smith who named it after himself, thus giving Château Smith Haut Lafitte its name. The property is currently owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard. The Cathiards purchased Château Smith Haut Lafitte in 1990, and that is when the true story of this estate begins.

Prior to the Cathiards’ involvement, Château Smith Haut Lafitte was not a well-known wine producer. The Cathiards purchased Château Smith Haut Lafitte because they were intrigued by the vineyard’s ability to produce both red and white wines. The Cathiards made a series of major changes to the estate, discontinuing the use of mechanical harvesting and instead hand-picking the fruit. The Cathiards also invested a significant amount of money into building their own cooperage, allowing them to produce 70% of their own barrels. They shifted their farming practices toward sustainability, and the property is now considered a leader in this regard. As of 2020, they were awarded a Robert Parker Green Emblem for sustainable viticultural practices. A blend of tradition and technological innovation govern the winemaking practices at Château Smith Haut Lafitte. It is one of the first properties to use Oenoview satellite imagery to find the optimal time to start harvesting alongside the use of optical sorting technology.

The Cathiards took the decision to employ Michel Rolland and Stephane Derenoncourt as consultants to oversee the vinification process in the ultra-modern gravity flow cellars. The barrel room is a place of experimentation, resulting in a dynamic and complex wine. The Les Hauts de Smith Rosé is an excellent, affordable wine that surpasses in quality. This Bordeaux rosé is slightly fruitier than its Provencal cousins, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t bone dry, with a pleasantly thirst-quenching acidity. With a beautiful salmon colour that shimmers in the glass, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a delightful rosé that is perfect for warm summer evenings.