Appellation: Pessac-Leognan
WA Score: 98/100
Best Drink Period: 2024-2040
Suggested Decanting Time: 4 hours
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RegionBORDEAUX, France
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Grape65% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 30% Merlot
- 4% Cabernet Franc
- 1% Petit Verdot
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Bottle Size75CL
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ColourRed
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SweetnessDry
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BodyFull-Bodied
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Food MatchRoast Beef
- Lamb
- Aged Cheese
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate (November 2018)
The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a very deep garnet-purple color, opening with sensuous scents of warm black cherries, blackberry pie, star anise and fragrant lilacs with hints of chocolate box, cigar box and pencil lead plus wafts of truffles and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive, it completely fills the palate with perfumed black berry preserves and superbly plush tannins, finishing epically long and beautifully layered.
Neal Martin - vinous.com (August 2020)
The 2016 Smith Haut-Lafitte has an opulent, lavish bouquet with layers of black cherry, Christmas cake, dark chocolate and vanilla. This wants to make an impression. The palate is very seductive, featuring lush red berry fruit, brown spices and saturated tannins. Some new oak is evident on the finish, but that will be subsumed with bottle age.
James Suckling - JamesSuckling.com (February 2019)
The blackcurrant and blueberry aromas are lifted and beautiful. Lots of flowers, too, together with some mushroom and dried-flower undertones. Full-bodied with firm and very silky tannins giving a lovely texture. Bright acidity lifts the finish and gives it drive and force.
Jane Anson- Decanter.com (April 2017)
This is gorgeous, extremely ripe, tight, fresh and rich. It has clear, deep tannins and a thrilling tension that slices right through the ripe, autumnal fruit and teases out the finish. There are true layers to the wine, with flavours of cassis, liquorice and charcoal, demonstrating a reserved power that keeps on delivering.