Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge

In the glass

Aroma: cassis, dark cherry, herbs, pencil shavings, light spice

Palate: blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, fine tannin, fresh finish

The second red wine of Smith Haut Lafitte, sharing the estate's Martillac gravel terroir. A Cabernet-Sauvignon-led blend with cassis, fresh herbs, and pencil-shaving notes in an approachable medium-bodied style suitable for earlier drinking.

What it pairs with

• Grilled pork chops with mustard
  The wine's medium body and cassis fruit are a natural counterpoint to rich pork; mustard amplifies the herbal freshness.
• Pasta bolognese
  Soft tannin and dark fruit complement a beef-rich sauce; approachable style suits a casual dinner.
• Roast chicken with tarragon cream
  Medium body balances the richness of cream; herbal notes echo tarragon.

How to serve Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. Pair with. Grilled pork chops with mustard, Pasta bolognese, Roast chicken with tarragon cream. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Le Petit Haut Lafitte was created in the early years of the Cathiard era as the estate's second red wine, aimed at providing the character of Martillac gravel Cabernet at a more accessible price point. It shares the same vineyard and cellar infrastructure as the grand vin.

1. 1993: Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge introduced as the second red wine of Smith Haut Lafitte

Facts

Producer

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte · visiting guide

Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (40%)

Classification

Pessac-Leognan AOC

Oak

Approximately 20 to 30% new French oak; 14 months

ABV

13.5%

Price

EUR 30-50 at retail

Drinking window

3-12 from vintage

First vintage

1993

Biodynamic

Biodynamic Practicing

Organic

ECOCERT

Frequently asked about Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge

Tags