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Château Smith Haut Lafitte

69 notes Sort by: Vintage - Name - Rating

2022
94
Showing a nice depth of color, the wine exudes cigar box, cedar, mint, currants, and blackberries. Elegant, fresh, and balanced, the wine delivers its layers of sweet, ripe, black, and red fruits effortlessly. This is the finest vintage of Le Petit Haut Lafitte ever produced. It promises to drink well for at least 15 years or more. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 40% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2040. 93-95 Pts.

Showing a nice depth of color, the wine exudes cigar box, cedar, mint, currants, and blackberries. Elegant, fresh, and balanced, the wine delivers its layers of sweet, ripe, black, and red fruits effortlessly. This is the finest vintage of Le Petit Haut Lafitte ever produced. It promises to drink well for at least 15 years or more. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 40% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2040. 93-95 Pts.

3,891 Views   Tasted
2022
93
Grapefruit, flowers, orange rind, and lemon peel create the nose. On the palate, the wine is creamy, forward, and ready to go with its lemon dominated fruity, mildly chalky finish. The wine is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc, with 20% Semillon. Drink from 2024-2030. 93-93 Pts.

Grapefruit, flowers, orange rind, and lemon peel create the nose. On the palate, the wine is creamy, forward, and ready to go with its lemon dominated fruity, mildly chalky finish. The wine is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc, with 20% Semillon. Drink from 2024-2030. 93-93 Pts.

2,987 Views   Tasted
2022
99
Inky dark in color, the wine requests a bit of effort before jumping into its nose of spice, cigar wrapper, blackberries, black currants, flowers, wet earth, and smoke. On your palate, the purity in the fruit, elegance, and lift is there. But what stands out is the width in your mouth as the wine caresses every part of your palate with its silky textures, and richness. The finish seals the deal as the wine has real staying power, staying with you for over 50 seconds! Harvesting took place from September 5 - September 30. Yields were low at 28 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, and is aging in 60% New, French oak barrels for 18 months. 14.5% ABV. pH 3.55. Is this the best vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte ever produced? Maybe. Let's revisit when the wine is in the bottle. Drink from 2027-2055. 98-100 Pts.

Inky dark in color, the wine requests a bit of effort before jumping into its nose of spice, cigar wrapper, blackberries, black currants, flowers, wet earth, and smoke. On your palate, the purity in the fruit, elegance, and lift is there. But what stands out is the width in your mouth as the wine caresses every part of your palate with its silky textures, and richness. The finish seals the deal as the wine has real staying power, staying with you for over 50 seconds! Harvesting took place from September 5 - September 30. Yields were low at 28 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, and is aging in 60% New, French oak barrels for 18 months. 14.5% ABV. pH 3.55. Is this the best vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte ever produced? Maybe. Let's revisit when the wine is in the bottle. Drink from 2027-2055. 98-100 Pts.

3,460 Views   Tasted
2022
95
Honeysuckle, lemon rind, spice, crushed rocks, white peach, tangerine and vanilla deliver the complex aromatics. Fresh and creamy, with layers of sweet, yellow citrus, pineapple, and a breath of herbs on the backend, the wine shows promise. This is going to be simply fabulous on release. The harvest took place August 18 - September 2. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris. ABV %14.5. Drink from 2025-2035. 95-95 Pts.

Honeysuckle, lemon rind, spice, crushed rocks, white peach, tangerine and vanilla deliver the complex aromatics. Fresh and creamy, with layers of sweet, yellow citrus, pineapple, and a breath of herbs on the backend, the wine shows promise. This is going to be simply fabulous on release. The harvest took place August 18 - September 2. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris. ABV %14.5. Drink from 2025-2035. 95-95 Pts.

3,061 Views   Tasted
2021
95
Black cherries, orange rind, plums, flowers, blackberries, tobacco and smoke filled aromas get your focus with little effort. There is a richness to the wine due to all of its chocolate, licorice, cherries, and currants. The finish combines salty oceanic influences, dark chocolate, citrus, licorice, chalk, and savory fruits, with chocolate in the lingering, dusty finish. I sense this could be even better with a few years of bottle age. A large part of the success with the 2021 vintage here is the concentration that comes from yields of only 22 hectoliters per hectare. Blending 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2050.

Black cherries, orange rind, plums, flowers, blackberries, tobacco and smoke filled aromas get your focus with little effort. There is a richness to the wine due to all of its chocolate, licorice, cherries, and currants. The finish combines salty oceanic influences, dark chocolate, citrus, licorice, chalk, and savory fruits, with chocolate in the lingering, dusty finish. I sense this could be even better with a few years of bottle age. A large part of the success with the 2021 vintage here is the concentration that comes from yields of only 22 hectoliters per hectare. Blending 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2050.

310 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, the wine opens with blackberry, boysenberry, flowers, cocoa, licorice, chocolate and black cherry. The wine is soft, polished, elegant and refined, with silky tannins, energy and purity to the fruit, which you can taste in the mid-palate. The finish delivers a precise note of chocolate-covered mint and cherries with a mineral, chalky endnote. Blending 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5% ABV pH of 3.65. The harvest took place September 22 through October 14. Yields were low at only 22 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2047. 94-96

Dark in color, the wine opens with blackberry, boysenberry, flowers, cocoa, licorice, chocolate and black cherry. The wine is soft, polished, elegant and refined, with silky tannins, energy and purity to the fruit, which you can taste in the mid-palate. The finish delivers a precise note of chocolate-covered mint and cherries with a mineral, chalky endnote. Blending 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5% ABV pH of 3.65. The harvest took place September 22 through October 14. Yields were low at only 22 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2047. 94-96

2,906 Views   Tasted
2021
98
White flowers, green apples, pineapple, vanilla beans, lemon chiffon, pears, and orange blossoms fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is perfectly balanced between its wealth of perfectly ripe, sweet, opulent fruits, and its racy acidities. The lingering finish is all about its purity in the lemon edged fruits, crushed rocks and stones and edgy textures. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. Drink from 2024-2040.

White flowers, green apples, pineapple, vanilla beans, lemon chiffon, pears, and orange blossoms fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is perfectly balanced between its wealth of perfectly ripe, sweet, opulent fruits, and its racy acidities. The lingering finish is all about its purity in the lemon edged fruits, crushed rocks and stones and edgy textures. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. Drink from 2024-2040.

443 Views   Tasted
Green apples, pineapple, flowers, vanilla, lemon chiffon and orange blossoms crowd into the nose. Energetic, crisp, fresh, clean and pure with a fabulous pop in the mouth from all the layers of sweet, but vibrant fruits. The touch of peppery spice in the finish adds another dimension. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2023-2035. 98-98

Green apples, pineapple, flowers, vanilla, lemon chiffon and orange blossoms crowd into the nose. Energetic, crisp, fresh, clean and pure with a fabulous pop in the mouth from all the layers of sweet, but vibrant fruits. The touch of peppery spice in the finish adds another dimension. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2023-2035. 98-98

2,747 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Oyster shell, smoke, currants, cherries and tobacco leaves create the perfume. On the palate, the wine is fresh, elegant, vibrant and chewy, with a nice, spicy edge to the crisp, savory red berries in the mid-palate that carry all the way through to the mildly salty finish. The wine blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Drink from 2024-2036.

Oyster shell, smoke, currants, cherries and tobacco leaves create the perfume. On the palate, the wine is fresh, elegant, vibrant and chewy, with a nice, spicy edge to the crisp, savory red berries in the mid-palate that carry all the way through to the mildly salty finish. The wine blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Drink from 2024-2036.

634 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby in color, the wine has depth and volume, soft, ripe tannins, roundness, length and lift, finishing with soft, fresh, dark currants and leafy tobacco nuances. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon paired with 40% Merlot. Drink from 2024-2037. 90-92

Deep ruby in color, the wine has depth and volume, soft, ripe tannins, roundness, length and lift, finishing with soft, fresh, dark currants and leafy tobacco nuances. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon paired with 40% Merlot. Drink from 2024-2037. 90-92

1,980 Views   Tasted
2021
93
Vanilla, waxy lemons, green apples, flowers, honeysuckle, and yellow with orange citrus, this is just great. The wine is sweet, pure, racy, and fresh with a chalky-textured, grapefruit finish. Pop a cork on this beauty as soon as it hits the stores as this is already a treat in your glass! Drink from 2024-2031.

Vanilla, waxy lemons, green apples, flowers, honeysuckle, and yellow with orange citrus, this is just great. The wine is sweet, pure, racy, and fresh with a chalky-textured, grapefruit finish. Pop a cork on this beauty as soon as it hits the stores as this is already a treat in your glass! Drink from 2024-2031.

695 Views   Tasted
White peach, flowers, lemon grass, mango and pomelo make the perfume. Bright, crisp, juicy and packed with the crunch of green apples and sweet yellow citrus, this is already easy to enjoy. The wine is produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2023-2028. 92-92

White peach, flowers, lemon grass, mango and pomelo make the perfume. Bright, crisp, juicy and packed with the crunch of green apples and sweet yellow citrus, this is already easy to enjoy. The wine is produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2023-2028. 92-92

2,124 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Black cherries, smoke, licorice, chocolate and mint nuances are found in the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh, spicy, chewy red fruits with touches of smoke, chocolate and peppery spices are all over the mid-palate and in the finish. The wine blends 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2024-2034.

Black cherries, smoke, licorice, chocolate and mint nuances are found in the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh, spicy, chewy red fruits with touches of smoke, chocolate and peppery spices are all over the mid-palate and in the finish. The wine blends 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2024-2034.

485 Views   Tasted
2021
92
Honeysuckle, pineapples, white peach, tangerine, and grapefruit with a dab of honey i what you will experience in the nose and on the vibrant, crisp, racy, bright, chalky palate. The wine is produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2024-2029.

Honeysuckle, pineapples, white peach, tangerine, and grapefruit with a dab of honey i what you will experience in the nose and on the vibrant, crisp, racy, bright, chalky palate. The wine is produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2024-2029.

508 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Vibrant, fresh, lifted and elegant, it takes no effort to dig into the glass and find all of the layers of chocolate-covered plums, currants, cherries, licorice, smoke and salt-edged tannins. Medium-bodied with opulence and vibrance, this could be my favorite vintage of Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte produced yet. Drink from 2024-2040.

Vibrant, fresh, lifted and elegant, it takes no effort to dig into the glass and find all of the layers of chocolate-covered plums, currants, cherries, licorice, smoke and salt-edged tannins. Medium-bodied with opulence and vibrance, this could be my favorite vintage of Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte produced yet. Drink from 2024-2040.

3,477 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, the complex nose shows off its floral, spice, smoke, tobacco, olive, herb and currant profile with ease. On the palate, the wine is fresh, sweet, lifted and juicy, with a beautiful sweetness to the fruits, silky tannins and a soft, round, polished endnote. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. 91-93 Pts

Deep in color, the complex nose shows off its floral, spice, smoke, tobacco, olive, herb and currant profile with ease. On the palate, the wine is fresh, sweet, lifted and juicy, with a beautiful sweetness to the fruits, silky tannins and a soft, round, polished endnote. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. 91-93 Pts

3,778 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Blending about 80% Sauvignon Blanc, with 20% Semillon, you find a nose of flowers, vanilla, spice, almonds, grapefruit, orange rind and honeysuckle. Rich and creamy, this is already a treat in your glass. Drink from 2023-2028.

Blending about 80% Sauvignon Blanc, with 20% Semillon, you find a nose of flowers, vanilla, spice, almonds, grapefruit, orange rind and honeysuckle. Rich and creamy, this is already a treat in your glass. Drink from 2023-2028.

1,950 Views   Tasted
Honeysuckle, spring flowers, waxy lemons and tangerine rind on the nose hit it just right. Creamy, sweet, and fresh, with a core of bright juicy, yellow citrus in the endnote finishes everything off nicely. The wine blends 80% Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Semillon. 92 Pts

Honeysuckle, spring flowers, waxy lemons and tangerine rind on the nose hit it just right. Creamy, sweet, and fresh, with a core of bright juicy, yellow citrus in the endnote finishes everything off nicely. The wine blends 80% Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Semillon. 92 Pts

2,305 Views   Tasted
2020
98
The impressive dark hue provides the introduction to the equally dark-fruited profile on the nose and palate. The wine is all about its richness, intensity, length and palate presence, which somehow, remains perfectly balanced, with all of its layers of blackberries, smoke, espresso, black cherries, licorice, smoke and chocolate. What is important to pay attention to here is the purity in the fruit, the lift, balance and freshness on the palate, and of course, the length which goes on for close for over 50 seconds! The finish blends power with polished, elegance, creamy tannins and a showy display of sweet, black cherries, plums, chocolate, and spice. As I mentioned in my barrel notes, previously, in some years, it felt like you were tasting a wine made in the cellars. But that is no longer the case at Smith Haut Lafitte, as now, you are clearly tasting a wine produced in the vineyard. Drink from 2025-2055.

The impressive dark hue provides the introduction to the equally dark-fruited profile on the nose and palate. The wine is all about its richness, intensity, length and palate presence, which somehow, remains perfectly balanced, with all of its layers of blackberries, smoke, espresso, black cherries, licorice, smoke and chocolate. What is important to pay attention to here is the purity in the fruit, the lift, balance and freshness on the palate, and of course, the length which goes on for close for over 50 seconds! The finish blends power with polished, elegance, creamy tannins and a showy display of sweet, black cherries, plums, chocolate, and spice. As I mentioned in my barrel notes, previously, in some years, it felt like you were tasting a wine made in the cellars. But that is no longer the case at Smith Haut Lafitte, as now, you are clearly tasting a wine produced in the vineyard. Drink from 2025-2055.

7,945 Views   Tasted
Incredibly dark in color, the aromatics spring from the glass with smoke, tobacco leaf, blackberry, cassis, licorice, flowers, cocoa and cigar box notes. The wine is full-bodied, rich, lush, opulent and intense. All that power is harnessed by freshness, intensity and lift. There is a beautiful sense of purity and vibrancy not found in previous vintages. With textures of silk and cashmere, with layers of perfectly ripe, seductive, black and dark red fruits accompanied by Valrhona chocolate, the seamless finish stays with you, expanding for close to 60 seconds! This is clearly the best wine Smith Haut Lafitte ever produced! The reason is simple. Previous vintages at times felt like they were made in the cellar. Here you taste a wine that was produced in the vineyard. Blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 14.5% ABV pH of 3.65. The harvest took place September 12 through September 30, yields were only 32 hectoliters per hectare. To celebrate 30 years of ownership at the estate, the 2020 will be produced with a special one-time-only black and gold label. 97-99 Pts

Incredibly dark in color, the aromatics spring from the glass with smoke, tobacco leaf, blackberry, cassis, licorice, flowers, cocoa and cigar box notes. The wine is full-bodied, rich, lush, opulent and intense. All that power is harnessed by freshness, intensity and lift. There is a beautiful sense of purity and vibrancy not found in previous vintages. With textures of silk and cashmere, with layers of perfectly ripe, seductive, black and dark red fruits accompanied by Valrhona chocolate, the seamless finish stays with you, expanding for close to 60 seconds! This is clearly the best wine Smith Haut Lafitte ever produced! The reason is simple. Previous vintages at times felt like they were made in the cellar. Here you taste a wine that was produced in the vineyard. Blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 14.5% ABV pH of 3.65. The harvest took place September 12 through September 30, yields were only 32 hectoliters per hectare. To celebrate 30 years of ownership at the estate, the 2020 will be produced with a special one-time-only black and gold label. 97-99 Pts

9,499 Views   Tasted
2020
96
Rich, lush and creamy, with an alluring bouquet of honeysuckle, lemon rind, white peach, vanilla, and honeyed lemon peel, this is going to be simply fabulous on release, providing pleasure for over a decade. Drink from 2023-2034.

Rich, lush and creamy, with an alluring bouquet of honeysuckle, lemon rind, white peach, vanilla, and honeyed lemon peel, this is going to be simply fabulous on release, providing pleasure for over a decade. Drink from 2023-2034.

2,817 Views   Tasted
With the pop of grapefruit, white peach, lemon peel, flowers, orange rind and honeysuckle in the nose, and a creamy, sweet, fresh, juicy, slightly honeyed, lush, white peach and citrus finish, you have all the ingredients needed for a luscious, white Bordeaux wine. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. To celebrate 30 years of ownership at the estate, the 2020 will be produced with a special one-time-only black and gold label. 97 Pts

With the pop of grapefruit, white peach, lemon peel, flowers, orange rind and honeysuckle in the nose, and a creamy, sweet, fresh, juicy, slightly honeyed, lush, white peach and citrus finish, you have all the ingredients needed for a luscious, white Bordeaux wine. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. To celebrate 30 years of ownership at the estate, the 2020 will be produced with a special one-time-only black and gold label. 97 Pts

3,313 Views   Tasted
2019
90
Sweet, ripe, juicy, yellow citrus and crushed rocks are what you initially notice and what you find in the fresh, vibrant, finish. Drink from 2022-2028.

Sweet, ripe, juicy, yellow citrus and crushed rocks are what you initially notice and what you find in the fresh, vibrant, finish. Drink from 2022-2028.

2,134 Views   Tasted
Juicy, sweet, fresh, ripe, bright, crisp citrus, orange rind and white flowers from start to finish. Pop this and pair it with grilled seafood this summer. 91 Pts

Juicy, sweet, fresh, ripe, bright, crisp citrus, orange rind and white flowers from start to finish. Pop this and pair it with grilled seafood this summer. 91 Pts

3,516 Views   Tasted
2019
98
Almost opaque in color, the nose grabs your focus with your first swirl and sniff due to all the blackberries, smoke, black cherry, espresso, wet earth, cocoa and flowers. On the palate, the wine is already expressive. Voluptuous, seductive, silky fresh and rich, the layers of fruit coat your palate, leaving you with a sensuous finish packed with waves of dark red fruits that linger and expand. The wine is so good now, we drank the bottle for dinner knowing that over the next 2-3 decades, the wine is going to get better and better. Drink from 2025-2055.

Almost opaque in color, the nose grabs your focus with your first swirl and sniff due to all the blackberries, smoke, black cherry, espresso, wet earth, cocoa and flowers. On the palate, the wine is already expressive. Voluptuous, seductive, silky fresh and rich, the layers of fruit coat your palate, leaving you with a sensuous finish packed with waves of dark red fruits that linger and expand. The wine is so good now, we drank the bottle for dinner knowing that over the next 2-3 decades, the wine is going to get better and better. Drink from 2025-2055.

8,214 Views   Tasted
Quite deep in color, the initial nuances of chocolate mint, flowers, spice, incense, espresso and smoky red fruits fills your nose and glass. On the palate, the wine is fleshy, seductive, soft and loaded with dark sweet fruits. Expansive, silky and long, the layers of sweet fruits linger in the finish. The fruit shows a beautiful purity and sensuous quality in the fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.2% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place September 23 through October 10. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare with the grand vin produced from only 40% of the harvest. 96-98 Pts

Quite deep in color, the initial nuances of chocolate mint, flowers, spice, incense, espresso and smoky red fruits fills your nose and glass. On the palate, the wine is fleshy, seductive, soft and loaded with dark sweet fruits. Expansive, silky and long, the layers of sweet fruits linger in the finish. The fruit shows a beautiful purity and sensuous quality in the fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.2% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place September 23 through October 10. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare with the grand vin produced from only 40% of the harvest. 96-98 Pts

9,483 Views   Tasted
2019
97
The attention seeking perfume kicks in with flowers, white peaches, dried pineapple, and a touch of honeydew melon. Lush, creamy and with a dab of honey to sweeten all the yellow and orange citrus on the palate, the wine finishes creamy sweet and fresh. Drink from 2022-2035.

The attention seeking perfume kicks in with flowers, white peaches, dried pineapple, and a touch of honeydew melon. Lush, creamy and with a dab of honey to sweeten all the yellow and orange citrus on the palate, the wine finishes creamy sweet and fresh. Drink from 2022-2035.

2,747 Views   Tasted
Walk into a flower garden and squeeze lemons, grapefruit and white peach all over everything, with honeydew melon and you get an idea of the nose here. Great lift, vibrancy, elegance and mouth-feel, with length, purity and freshness. This is the best white wine from Smith Haut Lafitte in a few years! The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. 97 Pts

Walk into a flower garden and squeeze lemons, grapefruit and white peach all over everything, with honeydew melon and you get an idea of the nose here. Great lift, vibrancy, elegance and mouth-feel, with length, purity and freshness. This is the best white wine from Smith Haut Lafitte in a few years! The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. 97 Pts

5,273 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Cedar, tobacco leaf, herbs, cherries and blackberries crowd into the nose. Elegant, soft, polished and fresh, the wine is refined, energetic, lusciously textured with a finish that resonates due to all of its cocoa tinted, dark, red pit fruits with their dash of chocolate that comes in at the very end. Drink from 2023-2035.

Cedar, tobacco leaf, herbs, cherries and blackberries crowd into the nose. Elegant, soft, polished and fresh, the wine is refined, energetic, lusciously textured with a finish that resonates due to all of its cocoa tinted, dark, red pit fruits with their dash of chocolate that comes in at the very end. Drink from 2023-2035.

4,003 Views   Tasted
A deep shade of ruby, the wine pops with its smoke, licorice, roasted coffee bean and dark red fruit note. Fruity with structure and roundness, the wine feels good as it hits your palate with concentrated, soft, ripe, sweet fruit. The finish gives you a nice dusty quality to the ripe fruit, along with just a hint of bitter chocolate. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. 91-93 Pts

A deep shade of ruby, the wine pops with its smoke, licorice, roasted coffee bean and dark red fruit note. Fruity with structure and roundness, the wine feels good as it hits your palate with concentrated, soft, ripe, sweet fruit. The finish gives you a nice dusty quality to the ripe fruit, along with just a hint of bitter chocolate. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. 91-93 Pts

4,715 Views   Tasted
2018
93
Cigar box, cedar, tobacco leaf, flowers, blackberry, currants, licorice, vanilla and dark cherry aromatics create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round,, soft, polished and fresh with good sweetness to the fruits, concentration and a finish loaded with cocoa, cherries, licorice, spice and espresso. This is a top vintage for Le Petit Haut Lafitte that will drink well for at least 12 years or more. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Cigar box, cedar, tobacco leaf, flowers, blackberry, currants, licorice, vanilla and dark cherry aromatics create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round,, soft, polished and fresh with good sweetness to the fruits, concentration and a finish loaded with cocoa, cherries, licorice, spice and espresso. This is a top vintage for Le Petit Haut Lafitte that will drink well for at least 12 years or more. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

4,198 Views   Tasted
Bay leaf, scorched earth, black raspberry, blackberry, licorice, vanilla and smoke weave an arousing aromatic profile. The wine is concentrated, rich, silky and with good density of flavor. The fruit is ripe, soft and polished with freshness, blackberries dipped in chocolate, licorice and toast in the finish. I am quite certain this is the best vintage of Le Petit Haut Lafitte ever produced! The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. 91-93 Pts

Bay leaf, scorched earth, black raspberry, blackberry, licorice, vanilla and smoke weave an arousing aromatic profile. The wine is concentrated, rich, silky and with good density of flavor. The fruit is ripe, soft and polished with freshness, blackberries dipped in chocolate, licorice and toast in the finish. I am quite certain this is the best vintage of Le Petit Haut Lafitte ever produced! The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. 91-93 Pts

4,782 Views   Tasted
2018
90
Round, ripe, sweet and packed with spicy, yellow citrus, lemon rind, almonds and tangerine, this is ready to go. I'd opt for drinking this over the next 3-5 years.

Round, ripe, sweet and packed with spicy, yellow citrus, lemon rind, almonds and tangerine, this is ready to go. I'd opt for drinking this over the next 3-5 years.

2,052 Views   Tasted
Fresh, juicy lemons with a shot of orange on the nose and palate make for perfect, near term, summery drinking.

Fresh, juicy lemons with a shot of orange on the nose and palate make for perfect, near term, summery drinking.

2,564 Views   Tasted
2018
97
Deep, dark almost inky in color, the wine pops with smoke, licorice, wet forest, spice box, cherry, black raspberry, espresso and dark chocolate create an exciting aromatic profile. The wine is rich, deep, dense, concentrated, plush and sensual. There is a lot going on here, but everything is in harmony. Most of the oak is already integrated, due to a reduction of time in the barrel and less toast. This helps show off the purity in the fruits and softens the expression, making this a stellar wine, that will age gracefully for decades. Produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, not much wine was produced as yields were less than half of a normal year. This could be my favorite vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte.

Deep, dark almost inky in color, the wine pops with smoke, licorice, wet forest, spice box, cherry, black raspberry, espresso and dark chocolate create an exciting aromatic profile. The wine is rich, deep, dense, concentrated, plush and sensual. There is a lot going on here, but everything is in harmony. Most of the oak is already integrated, due to a reduction of time in the barrel and less toast. This helps show off the purity in the fruits and softens the expression, making this a stellar wine, that will age gracefully for decades. Produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, not much wine was produced as yields were less than half of a normal year. This could be my favorite vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte.

5,826 Views   Tasted
Opaque in color, just one look tells you this is going to exciting to taste. Licorice, smoke, barbecue, burning campfire embers and black fruits might be the first thing you notic but it is the palate, coated by the layers of sensuous, pure, ripe, velvet textured fruit that really rocks. The wine is creamy, juicy and even with all that fruit -- fresh! The finish must last at least 60 seconds as it moves back and forth from red fruit to black fruit several times. There is serious competition for the best vintage ever from Smith Haut Lafitte, as there have been so many great vintages here but clearly 2018 is in contention for the top title. The wine was made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.25% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place August 24-September 17, which is quite early for Smith Haut Lafitte. 2018 is a low yield vintage here at only 21 hectoliters per hectare due to hail and issues with mildew. 97-99 Pts

Opaque in color, just one look tells you this is going to exciting to taste. Licorice, smoke, barbecue, burning campfire embers and black fruits might be the first thing you notic but it is the palate, coated by the layers of sensuous, pure, ripe, velvet textured fruit that really rocks. The wine is creamy, juicy and even with all that fruit -- fresh! The finish must last at least 60 seconds as it moves back and forth from red fruit to black fruit several times. There is serious competition for the best vintage ever from Smith Haut Lafitte, as there have been so many great vintages here but clearly 2018 is in contention for the top title. The wine was made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.25% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place August 24-September 17, which is quite early for Smith Haut Lafitte. 2018 is a low yield vintage here at only 21 hectoliters per hectare due to hail and issues with mildew. 97-99 Pts

5,168 Views   Tasted
2018
95
Flowers, white peach, yellow citrus, pears, green apples and even a touch of vanilla tinged cantaloupe are found in the aromatic complexities. Balanced on the precipice of opulent and fresh, the wealth of fruit is sweet, ripe, long, creamy and a pleasure to allow to linger on your palate. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon.

Flowers, white peach, yellow citrus, pears, green apples and even a touch of vanilla tinged cantaloupe are found in the aromatic complexities. Balanced on the precipice of opulent and fresh, the wealth of fruit is sweet, ripe, long, creamy and a pleasure to allow to linger on your palate. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon.

1,948 Views   Tasted
White peach, flowers, honeysuckle, lemons, pomelo and Granny Smith apples with just a touch of honey are on the nose and palate. The finish adds pears, vanilla and almond with traces of vanilla bean to round things out. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon.

White peach, flowers, honeysuckle, lemons, pomelo and Granny Smith apples with just a touch of honey are on the nose and palate. The finish adds pears, vanilla and almond with traces of vanilla bean to round things out. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon.

2,992 Views   Tasted
2017
91
Sunny citrus fruits dominated by an extra splash of pomelo to begin. In the mouth, the wine is juicy and fresh with a zippy, sweet blast of a well-pared, sugared grapefruit in the finish.

Sunny citrus fruits dominated by an extra splash of pomelo to begin. In the mouth, the wine is juicy and fresh with a zippy, sweet blast of a well-pared, sugared grapefruit in the finish.

2,087 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Everything is on target here. The nose with its flowery aromatics paired with yellow citrus, orange blossom, mint leaf and grapefruit works. On the palate, the lushly textured fruit has that beautiful acidic pop, giving you citrus, mango and vanilla in the finish. This should age quite well.

Everything is on target here. The nose with its flowery aromatics paired with yellow citrus, orange blossom, mint leaf and grapefruit works. On the palate, the lushly textured fruit has that beautiful acidic pop, giving you citrus, mango and vanilla in the finish. This should age quite well.

3,845 Views   Tasted
With honeysuckle, lemons, pear, almonds and traces of vanilla bean, this wine is loaded with sweet yellow fruits, crushed rocks and vibrant acidity. Offering a buoyancy and a profundity of flavor with length and complexity, this wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. It reached 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.15.

With honeysuckle, lemons, pear, almonds and traces of vanilla bean, this wine is loaded with sweet yellow fruits, crushed rocks and vibrant acidity. Offering a buoyancy and a profundity of flavor with length and complexity, this wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. It reached 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.15.

3,838 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Round, deep, full-bodied, lush and with good intensity of flavor, the wine has richness and length. All of this is a good thing, so you can catch all of the smoke, tobacco, dark cocoa and black with red fruits. The finish delivers length and persistence, coupled with the ability to age.

Round, deep, full-bodied, lush and with good intensity of flavor, the wine has richness and length. All of this is a good thing, so you can catch all of the smoke, tobacco, dark cocoa and black with red fruits. The finish delivers length and persistence, coupled with the ability to age.

7,869 Views   Tasted
On the far edge of opaque with dark purple accents glimmering in a submerged cavern of blood red, espresso, smoke, black fruits, wet earth, licorice, truffle and dark chocolate introduce themselves instantly. Full-bodied, plump and glamorous with serious density, length and character, the tannins are ripe but this wine is going to need time in the cellar even with all its ripe, supple fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place September 11 through September 29 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest. Due to the frost, the yields here are very low – sadly, only 30 to 35 hectoliters per hectare.

On the far edge of opaque with dark purple accents glimmering in a submerged cavern of blood red, espresso, smoke, black fruits, wet earth, licorice, truffle and dark chocolate introduce themselves instantly. Full-bodied, plump and glamorous with serious density, length and character, the tannins are ripe but this wine is going to need time in the cellar even with all its ripe, supple fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place September 11 through September 29 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest. Due to the frost, the yields here are very low – sadly, only 30 to 35 hectoliters per hectare.

4,406 Views   Tasted
2017
91
With a nice nose of leaf, cassis, smoke and wet earth, the wine is fresh, ripe, sweet and juicy. The cassis has a nice, spicy leaning in the medium bodied, finish. The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot.

With a nice nose of leaf, cassis, smoke and wet earth, the wine is fresh, ripe, sweet and juicy. The cassis has a nice, spicy leaning in the medium bodied, finish. The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot.

3,028 Views   Tasted
2016
99
The depth of color is serious. On the nose, there is dark red fruits, licorice, smoke, herbs and espresso bean. The wine is clearly intense, and also lifted, which is very hard to do! The oak is better integrated than in previous vintages and the velvet and silky texture on the palate is a complete turn on. Everything is in balance and harmony here. The finish is seamless. This is going to age quite well.

The depth of color is serious. On the nose, there is dark red fruits, licorice, smoke, herbs and espresso bean. The wine is clearly intense, and also lifted, which is very hard to do! The oak is better integrated than in previous vintages and the velvet and silky texture on the palate is a complete turn on. Everything is in balance and harmony here. The finish is seamless. This is going to age quite well.

9,807 Views   Tasted
This is a strong candidate for the best wine yet produced by the Cathiard family at Smith Haut Lafitte. The inky color lets you know this is going to be packed and stacked with layers of ripe fruit. But there is more going on here than concentration. Dense, yet light on its feet, the fruit displays a level of purity not seen here before. The oak is better integrated and velvet and silky texture is a complete turn on Everything is in balance and harmony here.

This is a strong candidate for the best wine yet produced by the Cathiard family at Smith Haut Lafitte. The inky color lets you know this is going to be packed and stacked with layers of ripe fruit. But there is more going on here than concentration. Dense, yet light on its feet, the fruit displays a level of purity not seen here before. The oak is better integrated and velvet and silky texture is a complete turn on Everything is in balance and harmony here.

11,281 Views   Tasted
This just keeps getting better and better. Intensity, power, concentration, lush, soft, polished tannins and a finish that sticks with your for about 50 seconds, letting you delve into its dark, ripe, smoky fruits, licorice, earth, espresso nose and cashmere tannins. Is this the best vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte? Maybe. Regardless, it is going to give the 2009 and 2010 a run for the money.

This just keeps getting better and better. Intensity, power, concentration, lush, soft, polished tannins and a finish that sticks with your for about 50 seconds, letting you delve into its dark, ripe, smoky fruits, licorice, earth, espresso nose and cashmere tannins. Is this the best vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte? Maybe. Regardless, it is going to give the 2009 and 2010 a run for the money.

9,096 Views   Tasted
With a good depth of color, the wine is almost opaque with dark purple accents. Espresso, smoke, black fruits, wet earth, licorice, truffle and dark chocolate come right out, when asked. Full bodied, fat and opulent, with serious density, length, character and tannins. The tannins are ripe, but this is going to need time in the cellar, even with all the ripe, supple fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.75% ABV with a Ph of 3.7, the harvest took place from September 22 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest.

With a good depth of color, the wine is almost opaque with dark purple accents. Espresso, smoke, black fruits, wet earth, licorice, truffle and dark chocolate come right out, when asked. Full bodied, fat and opulent, with serious density, length, character and tannins. The tannins are ripe, but this is going to need time in the cellar, even with all the ripe, supple fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.75% ABV with a Ph of 3.7, the harvest took place from September 22 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest.

8,171 Views   Tasted
2016
91
Earthy, smoky, wet forest, licorice and dark plums, with good density, supple, textures and a tannic finish, with a bit of dryness in the end note. The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export from Les Hauts de Smith, as it is dominated by 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. Earthy scents coupled with tobacco, coffee, black raspberry and plums reveal freshness in the fruit, softness in the tannins and a spicy, dark, red fruit finish.

Earthy, smoky, wet forest, licorice and dark plums, with good density, supple, textures and a tannic finish, with a bit of dryness in the end note. The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export from Les Hauts de Smith, as it is dominated by 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. Earthy scents coupled with tobacco, coffee, black raspberry and plums reveal freshness in the fruit, softness in the tannins and a spicy, dark, red fruit finish.

4,661 Views   Tasted
2016
95
Ripe, sweet and juicy, with flowers, lemon rind, honeysuckle and white peach. The wine is on the lush side of the style range.

Ripe, sweet and juicy, with flowers, lemon rind, honeysuckle and white peach. The wine is on the lush side of the style range.

3,406 Views   Tasted
A bit rounder than usual, the wine pops with its yellow citrus, honeysuckle, white peach and floral notes. Fleshy, juicy and fresh, this will not need more a few years in the cellar to develop.

A bit rounder than usual, the wine pops with its yellow citrus, honeysuckle, white peach and floral notes. Fleshy, juicy and fresh, this will not need more a few years in the cellar to develop.

2,959 Views   Tasted
White peach, honeysuckle, pie crust and lemon curd aromatics are all over the place. The wine is concentrated, the fruit is sweet and juicy, but a but more lift would have made this really rock. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon, reaching 14% ABV with a pH of 3.2.

White peach, honeysuckle, pie crust and lemon curd aromatics are all over the place. The wine is concentrated, the fruit is sweet and juicy, but a but more lift would have made this really rock. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon, reaching 14% ABV with a pH of 3.2.

4,006 Views   Tasted
2016
90
Waxy, lemon curd on the nose leads you to a citrus filled, medium bodied, early drinking wine you can drink on release.

Waxy, lemon curd on the nose leads you to a citrus filled, medium bodied, early drinking wine you can drink on release.

2,261 Views   Tasted
2015
98
With a depth of color impossible to miss, the wine opens with smoke, licorice, blackberry, cassis, and wet forest aromatics. Rich, fleshy and concentrated with all the right stuff, the wine is ripe, sensuous, silky and polished, The finish delivers smoked fruits, ripe tannins and length of flavor, which keeps right on going. This will age seamlessly for decades. With bottle age, this could score higher, as it develops.

With a depth of color impossible to miss, the wine opens with smoke, licorice, blackberry, cassis, and wet forest aromatics. Rich, fleshy and concentrated with all the right stuff, the wine is ripe, sensuous, silky and polished, The finish delivers smoked fruits, ripe tannins and length of flavor, which keeps right on going. This will age seamlessly for decades. With bottle age, this could score higher, as it develops.

10,518 Views   Tasted
A seriously great wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. The wine has taken on additional nuances over the past year. It has filled out, softened and expanded. Dense, plush and character filled, this is one of the top wines ever produced at the property.

A seriously great wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. The wine has taken on additional nuances over the past year. It has filled out, softened and expanded. Dense, plush and character filled, this is one of the top wines ever produced at the property.

9,957 Views   Tasted
With a good depth of color, this wine pops with black cherry liqueur, blueberry, licorice, smoke, truffle, cigar box and espresso notes in the bouquet. A fine purity of fruit with sweetness and ripe berries give you a wine that is not as flashy as 2009 or 2010, but there is focus, finesse, elegance, polished tannins, concentration and intensity of flavor, with the ability to age and improve. The wine was made from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Reaching 13.75% ABV with a pH of 3.7, the harvest took place from September 22 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest. Because 2015 is the 25th vintage for the Cathiard family, and it's the 650th year that wine has been made at the estate, the wine will be placed in a special bottle with a sharp looking black and gold label! 96 - 98 Pts

With a good depth of color, this wine pops with black cherry liqueur, blueberry, licorice, smoke, truffle, cigar box and espresso notes in the bouquet. A fine purity of fruit with sweetness and ripe berries give you a wine that is not as flashy as 2009 or 2010, but there is focus, finesse, elegance, polished tannins, concentration and intensity of flavor, with the ability to age and improve. The wine was made from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Reaching 13.75% ABV with a pH of 3.7, the harvest took place from September 22 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest. Because 2015 is the 25th vintage for the Cathiard family, and it's the 650th year that wine has been made at the estate, the wine will be placed in a special bottle with a sharp looking black and gold label! 96 - 98 Pts

9,842 Views   Tasted
2015
97
Honeysuckle, vanilla, yellow citrus peel and hints of orange fruits, there is left, energy and length here. The long, finish grabs you with its sweet, fresh, citrus, clay and tropical profile. Rich, long, fresh and expressive, this is just great and will only get better!

Honeysuckle, vanilla, yellow citrus peel and hints of orange fruits, there is left, energy and length here. The long, finish grabs you with its sweet, fresh, citrus, clay and tropical profile. Rich, long, fresh and expressive, this is just great and will only get better!

4,050 Views   Tasted
A melange of orange yellow citrus fruits, with accents of lime, papaya, vanilla and floral scents on the nose are the first things you notice. Richly textured, with layers of citrus fruits, honeydew melon and hints of tropical fruits fill up your palate. The wine is vibrant, long, sweet and fresh.

A melange of orange yellow citrus fruits, with accents of lime, papaya, vanilla and floral scents on the nose are the first things you notice. Richly textured, with layers of citrus fruits, honeydew melon and hints of tropical fruits fill up your palate. The wine is vibrant, long, sweet and fresh.

3,929 Views   Tasted
Bright, crisp, fresh, vibrant, yellow, citrus fruit with a hit of vanilla, flowers, stone and honey to complicate matters. Full bodied, round and lush, drink it young, or age it, either way, this is really quite nice.

Bright, crisp, fresh, vibrant, yellow, citrus fruit with a hit of vanilla, flowers, stone and honey to complicate matters. Full bodied, round and lush, drink it young, or age it, either way, this is really quite nice.

4,348 Views   Tasted
Ripe, vibrant, zesty citrus, honeysuckle and vanilla with a lingering touch of honey and vanilla bean in the finish, this wine leaves an enjoyable, lasting impression. The wine reached 13.75% ABV with a pH of 3.2. The wine was made from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. The harvest took place from August 31 to September 19.

Ripe, vibrant, zesty citrus, honeysuckle and vanilla with a lingering touch of honey and vanilla bean in the finish, this wine leaves an enjoyable, lasting impression. The wine reached 13.75% ABV with a pH of 3.2. The wine was made from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon. The harvest took place from August 31 to September 19.

4,113 Views   Tasted
2015
91
Using 80% Sauvignon Blanc along with 20% Semillon, this wine offers lemon curd, succulent grapefruit, honeydew and waxy, citrus rind. It is Juicy, sweet, fresh and ripe and should be delicious upon release.

Using 80% Sauvignon Blanc along with 20% Semillon, this wine offers lemon curd, succulent grapefruit, honeydew and waxy, citrus rind. It is Juicy, sweet, fresh and ripe and should be delicious upon release.

2,017 Views   Tasted
2015
90
The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export from Les Hauts de Smith, as it is dominated by 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. Earthy scents coupled with tobacco, coffee, black raspberry and plums reveal freshness in the fruit, softness in the tannins and a spicy, dark, red fruit finish. 89 - 91 Pts

The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export from Les Hauts de Smith, as it is dominated by 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with 40% Merlot. Earthy scents coupled with tobacco, coffee, black raspberry and plums reveal freshness in the fruit, softness in the tannins and a spicy, dark, red fruit finish. 89 - 91 Pts

4,787 Views   Tasted
2014
95
Clearly better in the bottle, than when last tasted in barrel, the wine has gained complexity, depth and softness. Full bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with loads of juicy, sweet, ripe, fresh, dark fruits, smoke, licorice and oak, 4-6 years of bottle age will add a lot to this already tasty wine.

Clearly better in the bottle, than when last tasted in barrel, the wine has gained complexity, depth and softness. Full bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with loads of juicy, sweet, ripe, fresh, dark fruits, smoke, licorice and oak, 4-6 years of bottle age will add a lot to this already tasty wine.

5,587 Views   Tasted
With a deep color and a spicy-fruit-cigar-box sensation, the black and red fruits really shine through. There is a plush character to the texture with newness and lift, a touch of oak and sweet, ripe, spicy berries in the finish. From a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.7% ABV with a pH of 3.7. 93-94 Pts

With a deep color and a spicy-fruit-cigar-box sensation, the black and red fruits really shine through. There is a plush character to the texture with newness and lift, a touch of oak and sweet, ripe, spicy berries in the finish. From a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.7% ABV with a pH of 3.7. 93-94 Pts

6,548 Views   Tasted
2014
94
Honeysuckle, lemon peel, vanilla and just squeezed grapefruit notes are all over the place in this concentrated, luscious, remarkable combination of sweetness and acidity. There is length, character and persistence here.

Honeysuckle, lemon peel, vanilla and just squeezed grapefruit notes are all over the place in this concentrated, luscious, remarkable combination of sweetness and acidity. There is length, character and persistence here.

2,822 Views   Tasted
The wine pops with sweet citrus, honeysuckle and vanilla notes. Ripe, zesty with fresh citrus and a lingering touch of honey and vanilla bean in the finish make a nice impression. From a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the wine reached 13.7% ABV with a pH of 3.2. 94 Pts

The wine pops with sweet citrus, honeysuckle and vanilla notes. Ripe, zesty with fresh citrus and a lingering touch of honey and vanilla bean in the finish make a nice impression. From a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the wine reached 13.7% ABV with a pH of 3.2. 94 Pts

2,736 Views   Tasted
2014
89
Citrus, honeydew, pomelo and freshness make for pleasant, easy drinking, refreshing wine. 89 Pts

Citrus, honeydew, pomelo and freshness make for pleasant, easy drinking, refreshing wine. 89 Pts

1,927 Views   Tasted
2013
94
One of the richer textured white Bordeaux wines of the vintage, the flamboyant, vanilla, spice, pineapple, white peach, meyer lemon and grapefruit aromatic display is completed with the display of luscious, white fruits and slightly honeyed, citrus in the finish

One of the richer textured white Bordeaux wines of the vintage, the flamboyant, vanilla, spice, pineapple, white peach, meyer lemon and grapefruit aromatic display is completed with the display of luscious, white fruits and slightly honeyed, citrus in the finish

2,592 Views   Tasted
With good density, freshness and length, there is a blast of fresh-squeezed lemon, lime, vanilla and grapefruit that carries through from start to finish along with the perfect amount of freshness and lift to keep the wine lively and refreshing. 94-95 Pts

With good density, freshness and length, there is a blast of fresh-squeezed lemon, lime, vanilla and grapefruit that carries through from start to finish along with the perfect amount of freshness and lift to keep the wine lively and refreshing. 94-95 Pts

3,135 Views   Tasted
2013
90
With a deep color for the vintage, the forward styled wine displays its smoke, roasted coffee, black cherry and earthy profile with ease. This should drink well on release.

With a deep color for the vintage, the forward styled wine displays its smoke, roasted coffee, black cherry and earthy profile with ease. This should drink well on release.

4,016 Views   Tasted
With a spicy dark berry, smoke, earth and tobacco personality, the wine is plush, soft and fresh, ending with sweet black raspberries. Quite nice for the vintage. 91-93 Pts

With a spicy dark berry, smoke, earth and tobacco personality, the wine is plush, soft and fresh, ending with sweet black raspberries. Quite nice for the vintage. 91-93 Pts

3,540 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Medium/full bodied, with an earthy, truffle, smoky, espresso, blackberry, plum and dark cherry filled nose. Soft, plush and polished, the ripe, sweet fruits linger on your palate.

Medium/full bodied, with an earthy, truffle, smoky, espresso, blackberry, plum and dark cherry filled nose. Soft, plush and polished, the ripe, sweet fruits linger on your palate.

5,729 Views   Tasted
From 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.6% ABV with a pH of 3.7 and will be aged in 60% new French oak for between 16 to 18 months. Deep in color with a smoky nose complicated by licorice, coffee, dark cherry and earthy aromas, the wine is fat, lush and dense. Supple tannins and fresh, round dark fruits create a long, rich, opulent finish. The Grand Vin represents about 50% of the harvest. 93-96 Pts

From 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.6% ABV with a pH of 3.7 and will be aged in 60% new French oak for between 16 to 18 months. Deep in color with a smoky nose complicated by licorice, coffee, dark cherry and earthy aromas, the wine is fat, lush and dense. Supple tannins and fresh, round dark fruits create a long, rich, opulent finish. The Grand Vin represents about 50% of the harvest. 93-96 Pts

6,438 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Fresh honeydew melon, orange blossoms, grapefruit and fresh squeezed lemon with a dash of honey are found in the nose. On the palate, the wine is ripe, long and lively.

Fresh honeydew melon, orange blossoms, grapefruit and fresh squeezed lemon with a dash of honey are found in the nose. On the palate, the wine is ripe, long and lively.

2,357 Views   Tasted
Blending 90% Sauvignon with equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, the wine will be aged in 50% new French oak. Grapefruit, lime, lemon, vanilla, guava and banana scents require little effort to find. Rich, fleshy and concentrated with balancing acidity and freshness, the long and fresh citrus finish refreshes and expands. 93-95 Pts

Blending 90% Sauvignon with equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, the wine will be aged in 50% new French oak. Grapefruit, lime, lemon, vanilla, guava and banana scents require little effort to find. Rich, fleshy and concentrated with balancing acidity and freshness, the long and fresh citrus finish refreshes and expands. 93-95 Pts

3,089 Views   Tasted
2012
88
The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export and interestingly, it’s the opposite of Les Hauts de Smith, as it’s dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest of the blend made from 45% Merlot. Coffee bean, licorice and black cherry notes open to a tannic, dark cherry-filled wine, which will need a few years before it is ready to drink. 87-89 Pts

The second wine of Smith Haut Lafitte is produced for export and interestingly, it’s the opposite of Les Hauts de Smith, as it’s dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest of the blend made from 45% Merlot. Coffee bean, licorice and black cherry notes open to a tannic, dark cherry-filled wine, which will need a few years before it is ready to drink. 87-89 Pts

4,129 Views   Tasted
2011
94
With a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the wine popped with vanilla bean, smoke, citrus, apple, stone and spicy tones. Rich, soft, fresh and refreshing, the wine finished with pomello and lemon peel in the crisp finish.

With a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the wine popped with vanilla bean, smoke, citrus, apple, stone and spicy tones. Rich, soft, fresh and refreshing, the wine finished with pomello and lemon peel in the crisp finish.

3,254 Views   Tasted
Blending 90% Sauvignon Blanc with equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, the wine will be aged in 50% new oak. Fresh-squeezed lemon, honeysuckle and grapefruit in the nose, which opens to a fleshy, mineral-driven, lively, concentrated and fresh citrus oil finish tinged with vanilla. 94-96 Pts

Blending 90% Sauvignon Blanc with equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, the wine will be aged in 50% new oak. Fresh-squeezed lemon, honeysuckle and grapefruit in the nose, which opens to a fleshy, mineral-driven, lively, concentrated and fresh citrus oil finish tinged with vanilla. 94-96 Pts

3,974 Views   Tasted
2011
93
From an assemblage of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and a drop of Petit Verdot, the wine will be aged in 60% new oak. This is a deep, dark-colored Pessac Leognan with a perfume offering licorice, coffee, earth and jammy black raspberry. Rich, full-bodied, plush and intense, the wine ends with a fresh, long, floral and sweet finish with spice, espresso and black cherry. 92-94 Pts

From an assemblage of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and a drop of Petit Verdot, the wine will be aged in 60% new oak. This is a deep, dark-colored Pessac Leognan with a perfume offering licorice, coffee, earth and jammy black raspberry. Rich, full-bodied, plush and intense, the wine ends with a fresh, long, floral and sweet finish with spice, espresso and black cherry. 92-94 Pts

5,052 Views   Tasted
2010
97
This is showing better than ever. It's lush, opulently textured, intense, yet with a good purity of fruit and elegant, silky tannins. Still young, the wine is inky dark in color, with a primary character, but the last few years have helped the wine fill out and expand. This is about potential, but it's clear that this is going to be something special when it matures.

This is showing better than ever. It's lush, opulently textured, intense, yet with a good purity of fruit and elegant, silky tannins. Still young, the wine is inky dark in color, with a primary character, but the last few years have helped the wine fill out and expand. This is about potential, but it's clear that this is going to be something special when it matures.

8,822 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, smoke, licorice, truffle, tobacco and chocolate scents get you going. Thick, rich, intense, concentrated and deep, the intense finish is packed with sweet, ripe, dark, sweet, boysenberries and even darker chocolate. This is even better than when tasted earlier this year.

Dark in color, smoke, licorice, truffle, tobacco and chocolate scents get you going. Thick, rich, intense, concentrated and deep, the intense finish is packed with sweet, ripe, dark, sweet, boysenberries and even darker chocolate. This is even better than when tasted earlier this year.

10,045 Views   Tasted
What a nose! Smoky blackberries, exotic spices, blueberries, licorice, jam, tobacco, olive tapenade and forest scents are impossible to avoid. The wine is incredibly concentrated, balanced, polished, sensuous and sexy. This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot should age and improve for decades.

What a nose! Smoky blackberries, exotic spices, blueberries, licorice, jam, tobacco, olive tapenade and forest scents are impossible to avoid. The wine is incredibly concentrated, balanced, polished, sensuous and sexy. This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot should age and improve for decades.

10,541 Views   Tasted
Smith Haut Lafitte 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot formed the assemblage. Deeply colored and filled with smoke, cassis, jam and licorice coated dark berry aromas, this rich, juicy, concentrated wine ends with a long opulent, fat, sweet, jammy black fruit and vanilla finish. 94-95 Pts

Smith Haut Lafitte 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot formed the assemblage. Deeply colored and filled with smoke, cassis, jam and licorice coated dark berry aromas, this rich, juicy, concentrated wine ends with a long opulent, fat, sweet, jammy black fruit and vanilla finish. 94-95 Pts

9,368 Views   Tasted
2010
97
Intense, attention seeking notes of lemon, lime, flowers and stone open to a wine with depth, richness and concentration. The wine is long, fresh, plush and polished with plush textures and a mélange of citrus and mineral sensations. There is a purity to the sweet fruits that remain on your palate for close to 40 seconds.

Intense, attention seeking notes of lemon, lime, flowers and stone open to a wine with depth, richness and concentration. The wine is long, fresh, plush and polished with plush textures and a mélange of citrus and mineral sensations. There is a purity to the sweet fruits that remain on your palate for close to 40 seconds.

6,072 Views   Tasted
2009
98
Now, with just a few minutes of air you find truffle, smoke, fennel, black cherry, smoke and cocoa, dark chocolate notes. Full bodied, concentrated, the tannins are soft, the texture is round, the fruits are sweet, but there is oak needing to be better integrated into the wine. Give it another 5-8 years in the cellar, and if the oak fully integrates, this is going to be a great wine!

Now, with just a few minutes of air you find truffle, smoke, fennel, black cherry, smoke and cocoa, dark chocolate notes. Full bodied, concentrated, the tannins are soft, the texture is round, the fruits are sweet, but there is oak needing to be better integrated into the wine. Give it another 5-8 years in the cellar, and if the oak fully integrates, this is going to be a great wine!

6,125 Views   Tasted
This is becoming compelling, now that the wine has dropped most of its baby fat. It also continues adding complexity, softness and secondary nuances. Silky, lush and polished, the velvet tannins are the perfect backing for the smoky, dark, ripe berries, licorice and earthy scents. The wine is long, which is a good thing, as it feels just great on your palate.

This is becoming compelling, now that the wine has dropped most of its baby fat. It also continues adding complexity, softness and secondary nuances. Silky, lush and polished, the velvet tannins are the perfect backing for the smoky, dark, ripe berries, licorice and earthy scents. The wine is long, which is a good thing, as it feels just great on your palate.

8,578 Views   Tasted
Like all great wines, this keeps getting better as it ages. Fat, rich, ripe, juicy, lush, opulent, round and dense, the wine is packed with ripe blackberries, plum, espresso, spice, earth and cigar wrapper. While this is good now, it's going to be much better with age as the wine gains in complexity and pulls together.

Like all great wines, this keeps getting better as it ages. Fat, rich, ripe, juicy, lush, opulent, round and dense, the wine is packed with ripe blackberries, plum, espresso, spice, earth and cigar wrapper. While this is good now, it's going to be much better with age as the wine gains in complexity and pulls together.

12,982 Views   Tasted
This is a property on a roll. Using slightly less oak has allowed more freshness and purity to shine through. Licorice, chocolate, juicy black plum liqueur and espresso scents create the perfume. There is a beautiful sensation of pure, rich fruit, freshness and sensuous textures. It’s a step up from every previous vintage produced by the Cathiard’s and Fabien Teitgen. As hard as it is to believe, their 2010 could end up a better wine!

This is a property on a roll. Using slightly less oak has allowed more freshness and purity to shine through. Licorice, chocolate, juicy black plum liqueur and espresso scents create the perfume. There is a beautiful sensation of pure, rich fruit, freshness and sensuous textures. It’s a step up from every previous vintage produced by the Cathiard’s and Fabien Teitgen. As hard as it is to believe, their 2010 could end up a better wine!

16,138 Views   Tasted
2009 Smith Haut Lafitte is dark ruby. Its nose is of truffle, earth, spice, smoke, coffee, berry and caramel. Full bodied and filled with ripe, fleshy, opulently textured fruit. If all the oak fully integrates (and I suspect it will), this will be a very strong wine. The fleshy finish has elements of chocolate, coffee, dark berries, and pit fruits. 94/96 Pts

2009 Smith Haut Lafitte is dark ruby. Its nose is of truffle, earth, spice, smoke, coffee, berry and caramel. Full bodied and filled with ripe, fleshy, opulently textured fruit. If all the oak fully integrates (and I suspect it will), this will be a very strong wine. The fleshy finish has elements of chocolate, coffee, dark berries, and pit fruits. 94/96 Pts

17,039 Views   Tasted
2009
95
Fully mature, the wine sings its song of flowers, slightly honeyed, yellow citrus, vanilla bean, crushed rock and pomelo with little effort. Rich, lush and fully ready for its prime time showing, if you have been waiting for this gem to come around, your wait is over. Pop a cork and enjoy the ride.

Fully mature, the wine sings its song of flowers, slightly honeyed, yellow citrus, vanilla bean, crushed rock and pomelo with little effort. Rich, lush and fully ready for its prime time showing, if you have been waiting for this gem to come around, your wait is over. Pop a cork and enjoy the ride.

3,919 Views   Tasted
Rich, fat, ripe and very ripe fruits with vanilla, grapefruit, citrus rind and minerality notes. Long, refreshing and concentrated, this is a charmer.

Rich, fat, ripe and very ripe fruits with vanilla, grapefruit, citrus rind and minerality notes. Long, refreshing and concentrated, this is a charmer.

4,260 Views   Tasted
Opening with strong sensations of pineapple, green apple, melon and stone, this assemblage of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris creates a concentrated, opulent, rich, fresh, long, ripe, citrus and vanilla tinged finish.

Opening with strong sensations of pineapple, green apple, melon and stone, this assemblage of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris creates a concentrated, opulent, rich, fresh, long, ripe, citrus and vanilla tinged finish.

5,149 Views   Tasted
2008
93
On the nose the oak is still noticeable, from there you move on to the truffle, smoke, black cherry and dark chocolate notes. Full bodied, concentrated, the tannins are soft, the texture is round, the fruits are sweet, but there is some oak remaining in the finish that needs to further integrate. The wine was made from blending 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine reached 13.5% ABV.

On the nose the oak is still noticeable, from there you move on to the truffle, smoke, black cherry and dark chocolate notes. Full bodied, concentrated, the tannins are soft, the texture is round, the fruits are sweet, but there is some oak remaining in the finish that needs to further integrate. The wine was made from blending 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine reached 13.5% ABV.

4,484 Views   Tasted
Oak, smoke, tobacco and ripe, sweet, dark fruits with a hint of cocoa open the wine. Air definitely helped the wine show better. It's still quite young today. Soft, round and smooth in texture, with good concentration of flavor, due to very low yields of only 24 hectoliters per hectare, the wine needs another 3-5 years to unfurl its full array of charms.

Oak, smoke, tobacco and ripe, sweet, dark fruits with a hint of cocoa open the wine. Air definitely helped the wine show better. It's still quite young today. Soft, round and smooth in texture, with good concentration of flavor, due to very low yields of only 24 hectoliters per hectare, the wine needs another 3-5 years to unfurl its full array of charms.

6,817 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored, the wine offers powerful scents of licorice, smoke, spice, fresh blackberry jam and earth. Rich, ripe, round and delicious, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc needs only a few more wines before it starts to strut its stuff. It should drink well young.

Deeply colored, the wine offers powerful scents of licorice, smoke, spice, fresh blackberry jam and earth. Rich, ripe, round and delicious, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc needs only a few more wines before it starts to strut its stuff. It should drink well young.

10,586 Views   Tasted
Smoke, flowers, BBQ, cassis, blackberry, oak and vanilla scents are found in the perfume. The wine offers supple textures and a dark berry, cherry and coffee flavored finish.

Smoke, flowers, BBQ, cassis, blackberry, oak and vanilla scents are found in the perfume. The wine offers supple textures and a dark berry, cherry and coffee flavored finish.

10,781 Views   Tasted
08 Château Smith-Haut Lafitte shows pungent aromatics of oak, blackberry, tar, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is plush and fat, finishing with a blast of ripe black and red fruits. 92-95 Pts

08 Château Smith-Haut Lafitte shows pungent aromatics of oak, blackberry, tar, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is plush and fat, finishing with a blast of ripe black and red fruits. 92-95 Pts

6,929 Views   Tasted
2008
92
Vanilla and orange with yellow citrus and honey on the nose, the wine is sweet, lush, fresh and vibrant, with a juicy, honeyed citrus oriented finish. From a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris

Vanilla and orange with yellow citrus and honey on the nose, the wine is sweet, lush, fresh and vibrant, with a juicy, honeyed citrus oriented finish. From a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris

3,509 Views   Tasted
With a strong blast of vanilla, toast, grapefruit, lemon peel, butter and green apple, the wine has richness and concentration. Forward and developed, this is ready for prime time drinking today.

With a strong blast of vanilla, toast, grapefruit, lemon peel, butter and green apple, the wine has richness and concentration. Forward and developed, this is ready for prime time drinking today.

5,031 Views   Tasted
2007
94
Fresh scents of citrus oil, lemon wax, grapefruit, lime and white peach. Rich, full bodied and mouth filling, this voluptuous, ripe, white Bordeaux wine ends with a vibrant, spicy, citrus filled finish.

Fresh scents of citrus oil, lemon wax, grapefruit, lime and white peach. Rich, full bodied and mouth filling, this voluptuous, ripe, white Bordeaux wine ends with a vibrant, spicy, citrus filled finish.

4,888 Views   Tasted
2007
90
Smoke, espresso and incense, with, earthy, red and dark plums in a medium bodied, fresh, round, sweet style. Fully developed, this requires drinking.

Smoke, espresso and incense, with, earthy, red and dark plums in a medium bodied, fresh, round, sweet style. Fully developed, this requires drinking.

5,471 Views   Tasted
2006
93
Medium/Full bodied, structured, tannic concentrated style of wine, with a smoke, oak black cherry, licorice and earthy, truffle nose, finishing with a fresh, lively blast of blackberries, spice, espresso and thyme.

Medium/Full bodied, structured, tannic concentrated style of wine, with a smoke, oak black cherry, licorice and earthy, truffle nose, finishing with a fresh, lively blast of blackberries, spice, espresso and thyme.

5,140 Views   Tasted
Earthy, smoky and soft, with black cherry, plum, tobacco and espresso notes in the nose, this is just starting to open and display its soft, round charms. A few more years should add more complexity and silk.

Earthy, smoky and soft, with black cherry, plum, tobacco and espresso notes in the nose, this is just starting to open and display its soft, round charms. A few more years should add more complexity and silk.

5,568 Views   Tasted
Smoke, blackberry liqueur, black cherries, tobacco, vanilla and earthy scents mix well with the lush, round, soft textures and the deep, licorice, vanilla and sweet, dark plum filled, stylish finish.

Smoke, blackberry liqueur, black cherries, tobacco, vanilla and earthy scents mix well with the lush, round, soft textures and the deep, licorice, vanilla and sweet, dark plum filled, stylish finish.

11,279 Views   Tasted
2006
93
This wine opens with a lychee, sweet candied nose is very concentrated and filled with ripe fruit. This thick, Bordeaux Blanc ends with an intriguing lemon, lime note that lasts over :30.

This wine opens with a lychee, sweet candied nose is very concentrated and filled with ripe fruit. This thick, Bordeaux Blanc ends with an intriguing lemon, lime note that lasts over :30.

4,435 Views   Tasted
2005
94
Coffee, smoke, baked cherries, tar, caramel and thyme open the nose. Combining round textures with freshness, this can be enjoyed now, as you can see from the secondary notes, if you allow it an hour or two of air. But a few more years will add more softness and complexity along with additional time to integrate the oak into the wine.

Coffee, smoke, baked cherries, tar, caramel and thyme open the nose. Combining round textures with freshness, this can be enjoyed now, as you can see from the secondary notes, if you allow it an hour or two of air. But a few more years will add more softness and complexity along with additional time to integrate the oak into the wine.

7,622 Views   Tasted
Smoke, coffee, licorice and spicy, blackberry jam notes open this concentrated wine. The wine is rich with lush, ripe, berries, but the oak remains noticeable. There is a touch of dryness in the dark berry and vanilla finish. Hopefully, the oak will dissipate with more bottle age. If the oak becomes better integrated, the wine will deserve a much higher score.

Smoke, coffee, licorice and spicy, blackberry jam notes open this concentrated wine. The wine is rich with lush, ripe, berries, but the oak remains noticeable. There is a touch of dryness in the dark berry and vanilla finish. Hopefully, the oak will dissipate with more bottle age. If the oak becomes better integrated, the wine will deserve a much higher score.

13,356 Views   Tasted
This kicks into high gear with its spicy cassis, chocolate, espresso, vanilla bean, smoke and blackberry scented nose. This full bodied, fat, rich, supple, concentrated wine offers offers a long flashy, dark berry filled finish.

This kicks into high gear with its spicy cassis, chocolate, espresso, vanilla bean, smoke and blackberry scented nose. This full bodied, fat, rich, supple, concentrated wine offers offers a long flashy, dark berry filled finish.

16,719 Views   Tasted
Dense, thick, rich with a strong palate note of intense, black cherry. Very ripe. While this can be enjoyed young, 10 years will really bring it together. Better than the 2000.

Dense, thick, rich with a strong palate note of intense, black cherry. Very ripe. While this can be enjoyed young, 10 years will really bring it together. Better than the 2000.

7,595 Views   Tasted
2005
87
Showing a golden hue, the wine, with its apple pie and apple and cashew notes tastes like a 20 year old wine that is fading. Based on this bottle, this requires consumption.

Showing a golden hue, the wine, with its apple pie and apple and cashew notes tastes like a 20 year old wine that is fading. Based on this bottle, this requires consumption.

5,410 Views   Tasted
2004
92
Fat, lush and sweet, with a vanilla, lemon, grapefruit and waxy nose, with a honeyed, citrus and vanilla finish, this is ready to drink.

Fat, lush and sweet, with a vanilla, lemon, grapefruit and waxy nose, with a honeyed, citrus and vanilla finish, this is ready to drink.

4,672 Views   Tasted
2004
91
From a magnum, which could explain the wines youthful qualities, there is a richness to the fruit for the vintage that stands out. The nose serves up smoke, licorice, black cherry, earthy, oak and wet forest scents. The texture is smooth and the dark, spicy fruits come through in the finish. This is ready for prime time drinking.

From a magnum, which could explain the wines youthful qualities, there is a richness to the fruit for the vintage that stands out. The nose serves up smoke, licorice, black cherry, earthy, oak and wet forest scents. The texture is smooth and the dark, spicy fruits come through in the finish. This is ready for prime time drinking.

4,327 Views   Tasted
Very supple, lots of energy and ample ripeness that ends with with a chocolate covered, ripe, black raspberry finish.

Very supple, lots of energy and ample ripeness that ends with with a chocolate covered, ripe, black raspberry finish.

3,810 Views   Tasted
2003
90
Gently entering its state of decline. With air, the wine loses its freshness and soft textures. While there is still some dark red cherries, blackberry, truffle and smoke character remaining, this is best consumed sooner than later

Gently entering its state of decline. With air, the wine loses its freshness and soft textures. While there is still some dark red cherries, blackberry, truffle and smoke character remaining, this is best consumed sooner than later

4,839 Views   Tasted
Smoke, licorice, black cherry, tobacco, earth, coffee and herb notes create the perfume. Close to mature, the round, soft textured wine ends with blackberries, cherry and fresh herbs.

Smoke, licorice, black cherry, tobacco, earth, coffee and herb notes create the perfume. Close to mature, the round, soft textured wine ends with blackberries, cherry and fresh herbs.

5,771 Views   Tasted
2002
90
The wine opens with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, licorice, red and black plums with a nice earthy note. Soft textured, medium bodied and ready to drink, the wine finishes with dark red berries and coffee bean sensations.

The wine opens with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, licorice, red and black plums with a nice earthy note. Soft textured, medium bodied and ready to drink, the wine finishes with dark red berries and coffee bean sensations.

4,449 Views   Tasted
2001
92
Open, accessible and already delivering its ample charms, lots of smoke, tobacco, coffee, blackberry, earth, vanilla and black raspberry flavors mesh perfectly with the wine's soft, supple textures. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc should age and improve for at least another 10-15 years.

Open, accessible and already delivering its ample charms, lots of smoke, tobacco, coffee, blackberry, earth, vanilla and black raspberry flavors mesh perfectly with the wine's soft, supple textures. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc should age and improve for at least another 10-15 years.

5,280 Views   Tasted
2000
92
Fully mature, with a smoke, espresso, earth and cocoa set of nuances add to the ripe black currants in the nose and on the palate. Medium/full bodied, round and fruity, drink from 2022-2030.

Fully mature, with a smoke, espresso, earth and cocoa set of nuances add to the ripe black currants in the nose and on the palate. Medium/full bodied, round and fruity, drink from 2022-2030.

2,904 Views   Tasted
Oak, smoke, coffee, blackberry and earthy scents, full bodied, soft, round tannins and a plum filled are found in this Pessac Leognan. The wine is slightly marred by too much oak. The level of quality found in the wines being made today at Smith Haut Lafitte is at a much higher level.

Oak, smoke, coffee, blackberry and earthy scents, full bodied, soft, round tannins and a plum filled are found in this Pessac Leognan. The wine is slightly marred by too much oak. The level of quality found in the wines being made today at Smith Haut Lafitte is at a much higher level.

7,283 Views   Tasted
This kicks off with jammy, black fruit, oak and licorice notes. The wine is polished, round and clean, ending with soft, sweet black fruit flavors.

This kicks off with jammy, black fruit, oak and licorice notes. The wine is polished, round and clean, ending with soft, sweet black fruit flavors.

9,159 Views   Tasted
2000
91
Fully mature, the wine has taken on a honeyed tone to the yellow and orange citrus fruits. The wine has weight and there is still some lift remaining. But there is no reason to age this any longer.

Fully mature, the wine has taken on a honeyed tone to the yellow and orange citrus fruits. The wine has weight and there is still some lift remaining. But there is no reason to age this any longer.

4,628 Views   Tasted
1999
89
Bright, energetic and with a lot of lift to the red fruits on the medium-bodied palate, the nose is more interesting, with all its tobacco, wet earth, smoke and leafy, earthy nuances. There is not much need to hold this for further aging. This is probably at peak today. Fans of cool weather vintages will probably like this even more.

Bright, energetic and with a lot of lift to the red fruits on the medium-bodied palate, the nose is more interesting, with all its tobacco, wet earth, smoke and leafy, earthy nuances. There is not much need to hold this for further aging. This is probably at peak today. Fans of cool weather vintages will probably like this even more.

4,594 Views   Tasted
1998
90
This is drinking in a good place today. The nose, with its espresso, smoke, licorice, truffle and dark red berry scents has a lot to offer. Medium/full bodied and round in texture, the wine ends with black cherries, thyme and coffee notes in the lush finish.

This is drinking in a good place today. The nose, with its espresso, smoke, licorice, truffle and dark red berry scents has a lot to offer. Medium/full bodied and round in texture, the wine ends with black cherries, thyme and coffee notes in the lush finish.

4,892 Views   Tasted
1996
90
Medium-bodied, soft textured, cherry, plum and tobacco filled, smoky wine with just a touch of espresso and wet earth adding to the nose. This is fully ready for its prime-time showing. That being said, this is not a wine I would hold for further aging as I suspect the fruit will begin to fade from here.

Medium-bodied, soft textured, cherry, plum and tobacco filled, smoky wine with just a touch of espresso and wet earth adding to the nose. This is fully ready for its prime-time showing. That being said, this is not a wine I would hold for further aging as I suspect the fruit will begin to fade from here.

4,197 Views   Tasted
1995
90
The first good vintage for the new owners is fully mature. The nose with its tobacco, wet earth, leaf, cherry and forest aromatics is my favorite part of the experience. There is some roughness and sharpness to the texture in the medium/full bodied finish.

The first good vintage for the new owners is fully mature. The nose with its tobacco, wet earth, leaf, cherry and forest aromatics is my favorite part of the experience. There is some roughness and sharpness to the texture in the medium/full bodied finish.

3,753 Views   Tasted
1982
82
Slightly past its expiration date, this light-bodied wine offers more smoke, tobacco, leaf, herbs and earth, than red fruits at this time. The finish offers cranberry and bright cassis. The wines made today by the Cathiard are dramatically better and age better as well.

Slightly past its expiration date, this light-bodied wine offers more smoke, tobacco, leaf, herbs and earth, than red fruits at this time. The finish offers cranberry and bright cassis. The wines made today by the Cathiard are dramatically better and age better as well.

3,757 Views   Tasted
1934
85
This special, older bottle offered cherry pipe tobacco, tar, smoked herbs, truffles and fresh forest floor aromatics. Medium boded, but elegant and balanced, this charming older wine finished with a short, cherry tinged ending. This bottle was sold to me as a 1926. But to say not much was of the label remained is being charitable. When the bottle was opened, the cork showed the wine to be from 1934. But as you can see from my notes, the bottle was sound. And even better, 1934 is my dad's birth year! This is one of those mistakes that turned out much better than anticipated.

This special, older bottle offered cherry pipe tobacco, tar, smoked herbs, truffles and fresh forest floor aromatics. Medium boded, but elegant and balanced, this charming older wine finished with a short, cherry tinged ending. This bottle was sold to me as a 1926. But to say not much was of the label remained is being charitable. When the bottle was opened, the cork showed the wine to be from 1934. But as you can see from my notes, the bottle was sound. And even better, 1934 is my dad's birth year! This is one of those mistakes that turned out much better than anticipated.

3,757 Views   Tasted