Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Smith Haut Lafitte
Pessac-Léognan
1999
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Where it is, October 2026
Mature: past the peak window, but still inside the full drinking arc through 2032.
This bottle is beyond its peak but remains within its drinking window through 2032.
The ‘99 Smith Haut Lafitte.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1999 is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Léognan, France.
Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) drinking timeline
Storage and bottle condition can shift the experience.
The peak window sits inside the broader full drinking arc.
Tasting note
Pessac-Léognan Cabernet Sauvignon often pairs dark currant and plum with a leafy, earthy edge, and this 1999 bottling should show that more savory side. Expect softened tannins, mellow fruit and a fine thread of acidity, with mature texture taking precedence over youthful force. The wine is beyond its peak yet remains within the listed window through 2032, so its finish should favor gentle cedar and dried herb over fresh berry intensity.
The 1999 vintage
Château Smith Haut Lafitte's 1999 wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Léognan, France.
About Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Château Smith Haut Lafitte's wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Léognan, France.
Pairing suggestions
Cellared suggestions based on the wine and dish descriptions.
Bone-in ribeye with rosemary butter
The pairing is scaled to the wine's full body.
Braised short ribs with truffle polenta
The wine's balanced acidity keeps the pairing lively.
Aged Comté with quince paste
The pairing leaves room for the wine's moderate tannins.
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Frequently Asked
What is Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1999?
Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1999 is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Léognan, France.
When should Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1999 be opened?
The canonical CAI full drinking arc is 2003-2032. Within that arc, the peak window is 2005-2024. The full arc is the broader period the wine may drink well; the peak window is when it is most likely to show its best balance. Storage, fill level, cork condition, and preference can shift the decision. Taste before adding more air or holding the rest.
What pairs with Château Smith Haut Lafitte 1999?
Pair this wine with Bone-in ribeye with rosemary butter; Braised short ribs with truffle polenta; or Aged Comté with quince paste.