Smith Haut Lafitte 2018

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2018 exudes elegance and sophistication, captivating the senses with its dark red, almost black color. The nose entices with a vibrant bouquet of fresh fruit, including luscious raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. With a gentle swirl of the glass, the wine reveals its hidden depths, showcasing complex notes of spice, dried herbs, fennel, and a delicate floral nuance. On the palate, this wine impresses with its straightforward yet well-balanced character, offering a delightful harmony of flavors. The wine displays good concentration and ample volume, demonstrating its presence and substance. Despite the presence of substantial tannins, it remains smooth and rich, striking a perfect balance between density, freshness, and overall structure. The texture is exquisitely delicate and precise, enveloping the palate with finesse. The finish is exceptionally long and multi-layered, leaving a lasting impression of fresh red fruit, tantalizing hints of liquorice and cinnamon, as well as the distinctive signature of the terroir with notes of smoke and flint. Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2018 is a remarkable expression of artistry and terroir, a wine that embodies both complexity and finesse in perfect harmony.

Robert Parker - 97+ Points

"A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new barriques, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte bursts onto the scene with showy scents of crème de cassis, mocha, licorice and cedar chest, followed by suggestions of baked plums, smoked meats, tar and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate brings sophistication to all that flamboyant fruit with a beautifully styled frame of finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing bright and fruity with loads of minerally sparks. This is a stunning, singular style that is sure to turn heads!"

Antonio Galloni - 95 Points

"The 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte was very impressive in barrel, and now in bottle, it delivers. Wonderful precision on the nose, subtle at first but unfurling with each swirl of the glass, revealing scents of blackberry and crushed stone, iris petals like before, and maybe a touch more violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tension and good structure. This is a very tight Smith Haut Lafitte, and even affording it 3–4 hours of decanting, it remains more reserved vis-à-vis recent vintages. It eventually offers plenty of black fruit, black olives, a light marine influence and a pinch of cracked black pepper on the sturdy finish. An outstanding Smith Haut Lafitte, given the vintage."