Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2023

Wineadvocate

The 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte is a brilliant wine, revealing a complex, elegantly oaky bouquet of dark wild berries, mulberries, blueberries, flowers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and rich, it has a fleshy core of fruit with good concentration and refined, structured tannins that segues into a long, penetrating and mineral finish. Crafted with an unprecedented majority of Cabernet Sauvignon—due to mildew affecting the Merlot—this Smith Haut Lafitte highlights a distinctly Cabernet-driven texture that authentically reflects its terroir despite a slightly more structured character. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 60% new oak barrels, represents one-third of the entire crop. - YC 04/2024

Vinous

The 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte is a powerhouse. In recent years, the Grand Vin has shifted toward a bit more nuance than in the past, but in 2023, small yields and thick skins yielded a somber, explosive Grand Vin. It will need many years to be at its most expressive. Blackberry, gravel, licorice, spice, plum and chocolate are some of the many notes that emerge from the glass. Readers will find a wine of real substance and textural intensity, framed by vibrant acids. A touch of air works wonders here. - AG 04/2024

Beck

Beaucoup de finesse et de profondeur dans le bouquet de Smith. Il affiche une excellente symbiose entre les nuances d'élevage, les épices, les baies rouges et noires ainsi qu'une touche d'eucalyptus ! Suave en attaque, le vin se présente plutôt élancé puis gagne en largeur au fil de son cheminement. Les tannins, crémeux et puissants, assurent bien les arrières tandis que leur fine austérité plébiscite l'aromatique de la finale. Un vin élégant et profond donc la puissance est subtilement entourée. Avec toute l'énergie dont il est muni, Smith Haut Lafitte 2023 est paré pour passer quelques décennies en cave ! - YB 05/2024