LE PETIT SMITH HAUT LAFITTE ROUGE 2nd wine of Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte 2023 Bottle

Description

The distinguished second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a prestigious estate in Bordeaux's Pessac-Léognan appellation. This wine is crafted primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the estate's commitment to quality and tradition. With a deep ruby colour, it presents inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and subtle notes of spice and tobacco. On the palate, Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte offers a smooth and elegant structure, with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity that provide balance and finesse. This vintage reflects the exceptional terroir of the estate, making it approachable yet complex. Ideal for pairing with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or enjoyed on its own, this wine exemplifies the excellence of Smith Haut Lafitte.

JAMES SUCKLING 94-95
This has a big structure of polished tannins that are energetic and punchy. Medium to full body with beautiful blackcurrants, as well as dark tobacco and wet earth. Chewy at the end, but a pointed and focused finish. More structured than 2022. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. From organically grown grapes.

DECANTER 94
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Feb 2026)
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2037
Fresh and fragrant, so alive on the nose, really expressive and open. Smooth and round, instantly so likeable, so easy and refined, a real finesse to this. Still has body and frame, there’s sinewy muscles here - this is serious - but harmonious. Great energy and juiciness. Soft, softly chewy, precise. Complexity but such drinkability. Character and great style. Perfect with food. A baby grand vin.

VINOUS 94
Drinking window: 2027 - 2038
The 2023 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is super elegant and precise. Blue-toned fruit, graphite, dried herbs, crushed rocks, gravel, incense, licorice and crème de cassis are nicely amplified. Strong savory and mineral Cabernet notes build through the mid-palate and into the resonant, expressive finish. This is a striking wine in its peer group, and it should be a fine value, too.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92
Drink Date: 2026 - 2036
As usual, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot matured in 30% new oak, the 2023 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is attractive and gourmand, revealing aromas of cassis, dark berries, licorice, spices and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, round and supple, it is delicately juicy, framed by powdery tannins that extend into a long, ethereal finish.