2025 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 and 25% Merlot. This Bordeaux rosé is produced in very limited quantities. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—the former vinified as white by direct pressing, the latter as red by "bleeding"—Les Hauts de Smith Rosé offers a beautiful setting. Here, the color comes to the fore; the pink manifests in a light, salmon-colored hue and is accompanied by lovely fruity aromas, such as strawberry and raspberry, as well as floral notes. Dynamic and fresh, with a perfect balance between tension and viscosity, this intense rosé is perfect at the table. This wine is versatile enough to pair with spicier food, such as Thai and Indian cuisine, yet casual enough to pair with a burger or barbecue, fish or summer dishes, and also great to simply enjoy.

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost next to the A16, with ample 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 pair beautifully with the briny and spicy elements of this classic. Tuna, anchovies, olives, and a mustard dressing provide sufficient body without overpowering the wine.

2. Grilled chicken with Provençal herbs and couscous

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

3. Roasted beetroot salad with goat cheese and walnuts

The earthy taste 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 pair perfectly with the citrus and light spiciness of this dish. The shrimp absorb the fruity notes beautifully and keep the whole thing light and summery.

5. Tuna tataki with sesame and soy dressing

The umami of soy and the lightly roasted taste of sesame call for a wine with sufficient structure and freshness. The rosé holds its own against these powerful flavors, while the acidity brings everything into beautiful balance.

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

An unexpected, luxurious combination in which the wine holds its own surprisingly well. The subtle complexity of the rosé provides a refined counterpoint to the rich, earthy flavors 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 drinkers and critics, and the versatility of this remarkable terroir must be celebrated. It is one of the few estates in Bordeaux that produces red, white, and rosé wines of excellent quality. The property boasts a long history in Bordeaux dating back more than 800 years. It was initially 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, and thus Château Smith Haut Lafitte received its name. The property is currently owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard. The Cathiards bought 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 fact that the vineyard was capable of producing both red and white wines. The Cathiards implemented a series of sweeping changes to the estate and stopped using mechanical harvesting. Instead, they have hand-picked the fruit. The Cathiards also invested a substantial amount in building their own cooperage, enabling them to produce 70% of their own barrels. They have shifted agricultural practices toward sustainability, and the property is now considered a leader in that regard. As of 2020, they received a Robert Parker Green Emblem for sustainable viticulture practices. A blend of tradition and technological innovation governs 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 have decided to employ Michel Rolland and Stephane Derenoncourt as consultants to oversee the vinification process in the ultra-modern gravity-flow cellars. Extensive experimentation takes place in the barrel room, resulting in a dynamic and complex wine. The Les Hauts de Smith Rosé is an excellent, affordable wine that surpasses expectations in terms of quality. This Bordeaux rosé is slightly fruitier than its Provençal cousins, but that does not mean it is not bone-dry, with a pleasant, thirst-quenching acidity. With a beautiful salmon color that shimmers in the glass, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a delicious rosé that is perfect for warm summer evenings.