CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan 2020 vs CLOS SAINT DENIS Grand Cru Domaine Stéphane Magnien 2018
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications. CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan 2020 currently starts £3.25 lower.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £155.50 | £158.75 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Style | Other | Other |
| Grape | Merlot, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc | Pinot Noir |
| ABV | 14.5% | 13.5% |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan 2020
The 2020 Smith Haut-Lafitte has a relatively straightforward bouquet with notes of forest floor, tree bark and black fruit. Scents of crushed stone and sandalwood emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, very cohesive and putting on weight toward the finish. I suspect that the nose is just closing up a little, hence my prudent score, but the palate is indicative of potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
CLOS SAINT DENIS Grand Cru Domaine Stéphane Magnien 2018
The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has quite an intense bouquet with red berry fruit, touches of blackcurrant, pain d'épice and sous-bois. This seems to grow and deepen in the glass, developing some unnecessary headiness and then, as if skulking from out of a darkened corner, noticeable and sadly compromising Brettanomyces. The palate is medium-bodied with quite thick and dense tannins. Backward and rather surly, this is a serious Clos Saint-Denis, more dark than light, with some dryness and austerity on the finish. Like reading Dostoevsky when you just want a simple page-turner. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.
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