2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge

The Hidden Cellar is Grand Cru's exclusive wine club concept, specially designed for our most loyal customers. You automatically become a member if you regularly order from Grand Cru. As a Hidden Cellar member, you'll have first access to a selection of exceptionally rare wines: vintages, iconic Bordeaux appellations and Burgundies, Italian Super Tuscans, Napa Valley wines, and rare Champagne. We can offer these gems directly from the wineries at very attractive prices (well below market), often wines that are no longer available or unaffordable. So, the wines come directly from the wineries and haven't traveled halfway around the world in questionable circumstances.

View all the benefits on the Hidden Cellar benefits page .

History and background of Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a prestigious wine estate in Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux. Viticulture has existed here since the 14th century, but the story of the current estate begins in the 18th century when British merchants acquired it. Since 1990, it has been run by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who have modernized the estate and raised its quality to the highest level. They strive for elegant, expressive wines that do justice to the gravel-rich terroir.

Region, climate and terroir

The vineyards are located south of Bordeaux, near the Garonne River. The soil consists of gravel, sand, and clay—ideal for red Bordeaux. The climate is temperate oceanic, with ample warmth and crisp nights that contribute to ripeness and freshness in the grapes.

About the 2009 vintage Château Smith Haut Lafitte rouge

The 2009 vintage in Bordeaux is known for its perfectly ripe, opulent yet precise wines. This year's Château Smith Haut Lafitte combines richness with finesse—a combination appreciated by sommeliers, consumers, and investors alike.

Grapes, harvest, fermentation and maturation

This wine is a blend of classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The 2009 harvest took place under magnificent weather, with warm days and cool nights that yielded ideal ripeness. Fermentation was controlled in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in new, light oak barrels for approximately 18 months. This imparts structure, complexity, and a refined oak note.

Color, nose and taste profile

The color is deep ruby red with purple edges—still intense after 16 years in the bottle. On the nose, we find ripe blackcurrants, plums, cedar, graphite, and subtle tobacco. Deep aromas that unfold gently. On the palate, the wine presents itself with ripe tannins, balanced acidity, and layers of cassis, chocolate, leather, and fine toast. The finish is long and impressive.

Development of the 2009 vintage

Given that the vintage is over 15 years old, it's particularly fascinating to experience how this wine has developed. It's now on the verge of combining its primary fruit and robust structure with fine tertiary aromas. For sommeliers and connoisseurs, this offers added depth and complexity. Is it still perfect, or is it evolving beautifully? In the case of this 2009 Smith Haut Lafitte, it remains exceptional and ready to be enjoyed as it continues to develop.

Why order through Hidden Cellar?

For the serious consumer, sommelier, or investor, this offer is particularly appealing: you gain access to a rare, highly respected vintage that's difficult to find on the regular market. Hidden Cellar offers the wine directly from the château at competitive prices—ideal for investment and serving on special occasions.

Shipping of Hidden Cellar Wine

Hidden Cellar wines are ordered separately and cannot be combined with our 4,500 regular wines. Delivery is standard with our regular orders, on average every two months. You can also opt for Express Delivery: the wine will be shipped immediately and you will receive it within 1–2 weeks.

For those seeking exceptional Bordeaux with long-term potential, the 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge from Hidden Cellar is an excellent choice. Order today and add a rare masterpiece to your collection or wine list.