2016 Smith Haut Lafitte
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a very succinct and refined bouquet, with pure blackberry, bilberry, pressed flowers and undergrowth scents that are beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied, with svelte tannins, exquisite balance and an edgy, precise minerally finish. The class of this Pessac-Léognan shines through. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Structured, deep ruby in colour, spiced rosemary and violet notes on the aromatics, this is just at the beginning of opening up, still very much in its primary phase, a little subdued even at 10 years old, but the structure and carved tannins are in evidence, and holding everything together. Cassis, bilberry, cigar box, espresso, love the lift and nuance, with rose bud and fennel. A great wine, waiting to exhale. Just tasted at the 10 years on also. 80% new oak.
Aromas of tar, smoke, herbs and dark fruit. Full-bodied with a soft, textural side. The tannins are smooth but precise, framing linear dark fruit and giving lovely overall balance. Drink now or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
Floral edge, with a ton of crayon and cocoa bean, love the sculpted character, bitter aniseed and fennel, characterful and hard to resist, sappy and juicy with mouthwatering finish, just beginning to flirt with its drinking window. Official organic conversion began in this vintage, with certification coming in 2019. Fabien Teitgen technical director.
About the producer
Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan today – all thanks to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who took over the property in 1990 and have since transformed the estate, converting to biodynamics and crafting wines of increasing finesse.