CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE Rouge Grand Cru Classe de Graves AOC, Pessac-Leognan 2022 Bottle

Description

The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte has received tremendous acclaim, including a perfect 100 points from Decanter, which praises its deep, evocative character with aromas of blackcurrants, milk chocolate, and floral notes. The silky yet structured palate features tannins that support vibrant red and black berries, showcasing the wine's complexity and power. James Suckling awarded it 98 points for its vivid fruit character, noting its medium to full body and an impressive blend of crushed grapes and dark berries. Wine Enthusiast also rated it 98 points for its balance between freshness and richness. The Wine Advocate granted it 96+ points, highlighting its concentrated palate and firm tannic frame. Vinous scored it 96 points, commending its fragrant bouquet and plush tannins, indicating exceptional aging potential.

*****

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a renowned Grand Cru Classé estate in the Pessac-Léognan AOC of the Graves region, celebrated for its remarkable renaissance in recent years. Acquired in 1990 by former Olympic skiing champion Daniel Cathiard, the estate shifted from being an underachiever to a leading producer. Cathiard implemented organic farming practices, reducing chemical use and modernising winemaking facilities. The 55-hectare vineyard, situated on a gravel ridge near Château Haut-Bailly, primarily produces a red wine blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats and aged in oak barrels (50% new) for 15 to 18 months, resulting in wines that express the estate's terroir and commitment to quality, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

DECANTER 100 points !!!
Tasted by: Georgie Hindle
(at Bordeaux, 15 Dec 2024)
Part of Decanter Cellar: 20 of the best Cabernet Sauvignons
Drinking Window: 2029 - 2050
Deep and evocative, this bursts with blackcurrants, milk chocolate and floral perfume. Instantly captivating, the palate is silky yet structured, with tannins seamlessly supporting vibrant red and black berries. Broad and powerful, yet it glides, showcasing Cabernet’s structure, Merlot’s generosity and cool spiced fruit. A mineral core adds complexity, with flint-like nuances. A masterclass in power and balance – and unmistakably Smith. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Organic.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 Points
The vivid fruit character here is so impressive for this hot and dry vintage. It's medium- to full-bodied, showing gorgeous crushed grapes and dark berries. With density, clarity and beauty, it really speaks of great cabernet sauvignon. The tannins are integrated and go long, taking you deep and complete on the palate. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Seems almost drinkable now but needs at least five years of bottle age. Drink after 2029.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 98 points
97-99 Barrel sample. The wine is dominated by fine Sauvignon Blanc. It has a marvelous poise between great freshness and richness, which is especially impressive given it's from a dry year. This is a powerful wine, a great success given the growing conditions. — Roger Voss

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96+ points
Reviewed by: Yohan Castaing
Drink Date: 2030 - 2040
With a somber, slightly introverted character characterized by notes of licorice, gentian, spices and dark wild berries, the 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte possesses a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and dense palate with a fleshy core of fruit and a generously extracted structure with an assertive tannic frame that requires time to mellow. Concluding with a long, dense and gentian-inflected finish, it needs time to digest its élevage and should gain harmony and balance with some time in the cellar.
Published: Mar 06, 2025

VINOUS 96 points
The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte, bottled in June 2024, includes 15% of the stems, though winemaker Fabien Teitgen emphasizes that he does not want their effect to be palpable in the blend. Its fragrant bouquet blends red and black fruit with hints of anise and Italian herbs, coming across quite complex and a little more flamboyant than some of its Pessac peers. The medium-bodied palate features plush tannins and very pure black fruit interlaced with hints of graphite and black pepper. Boasting gentle grip and a great sense of harmony, this is a wonderful Smith Haut Lafitte that will evolve in bottle over many years. - Neal Martin