Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2005 750ml

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the Pessac-Léognan classified growth revived by Daniel and Florence Cathiard after they bought it in 1990, made one of its greatest modern wines in the legendary 2005 vintage. It earned 99 points from The Wine Independent and 98 from Wine Advocate, which called it "sensational." The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Now nearly two decades old, it shows crème de cassis, baked plum, blueberry, graphite, pencil shavings, sandalwood and licorice on a plush, juicy, medium- to full-bodied palate with sweet, polished tannins and a long, poised finish. In a fine drinking window now, it should keep for another 20 years.