2005 Les Haut de Smith

[TheEngineer]

After opening a corked Luca Malbec,...I went to look for another bottle when this thing jumped out. Figured I'd look into the 05's as a result.

Very tight on opening, mostly smokey, leathery, woodsy, notes, fruit hidden for a bit of time, about 30 hour later, some comes through but is not out front. Medium bodied, which surprises me for his vintage. Pretty and decent but not particularly complex nor interesting. Will give it a bit more time and revisit.

[Innkeeper]

Always needs at least a decade.

[hotwine]

Agree with IK, would think a major decant would be needed to give that puppy a fair shot.... something like an ALL DAY decant.

[TheEngineer]

Is that a SHL thing? I'm not that familiar with their wines or is it a combo with the 05 vintage?

[hotwine]

Can't find the blend but see that it's CS-dominant with Merlot.

It's from Graves and I've not had much experience with wines from that sub-region.

When dealing with an unknown, I'm learning to decant and sample at two-hour intervals as long as is needed to kill the bottle, and make notes along the way; with a six-year-old CS blend, would expect to enter the sweet spot at four hours and ride it for another four or so.

That's part of the fun of this madness - finding what works for you.

[TheEngineer]

Thanks hotsie! Had a night like WW's....bottle did not last long.