Château Olivier: One Hour Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting
Learn about the vineyard's commitment to protecting its environment and wildlife, discover the history of the property and finish with a tasting of red and white.
Profile
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2025 to 2034.
vintage3 yrs12 yrs14 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Advocate reviewed 2023 | 2022 | 91/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
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.More wines for pork →
- Pasta bolognese Soft tannin and dark fruit complement a beef-rich sauce; approachable style suits a casual dinner.More wines for pasta with ragù →
- Roast chicken with tarragon cream Medium body balances the richness of cream; herbal notes echo tarragon.More wines for chicken and white meat →
How to serve Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- 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.
- 1993Le 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
What does Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge taste like?
On the nose, cassis, dark cherry, herbs, pencil shavings, light spice. On the palate, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, fine tannin, fresh finish. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium-long 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.
When should I drink Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge?
Grilled pork chops with mustard is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pasta bolognese and Roast chicken with tarragon cream. The wine's medium body and cassis fruit are a natural counterpoint to rich pork; mustard amplifies the herbal freshness.
What grapes are in Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (40%). The wine is classified as Pessac-Leognan AOC.
Tags
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