- Nick's Import
2014 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
The Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2014 is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare that is matured in 65% new barrels. There is a strong and persuasive marine influence on the nose, suggestions of iodine and seaweed infusing the black fruit that is very well defined and nicely embroidered with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy, slightly chalky tannin; saline in the mouth and linear, focused, quite penetrating finish. In a similar fashion to the Haut-Bailly, this is a more "athletic" Smith Haut Lafitte, but one that allows the terroir to come through and be articulated. This is a stylish "S.H.L." from talented winemaker Fabien Teitgen. Drink 2019 - 2035.
92-94 points
Neal Martin eRobertParker.com # 218 (Apr 2015)
This has nice spine, with a persistent graphite and ganache character that runs through the core of dark plum and black currant fruit. The grip is well-embedded and there's lingering freshness despite the heft and depth. This will likely fill out more with time.
93-96 points
J.M. - Wine Spectator
They have so nailed the 'full extraction without making it obvéous' trick at this property. Clearly high oak and firm tannins but rich, enrobed, black coffee and rich damson fruit, will age well, get really fine tannic structure, but with the slightly glamorous house style, the Mouton of Pessac-Léognan. Lovely. The vibrancy and integrity of the fruit from their biodynamic/organic work in the vineyard is very clear.
18.25/20pts (94/100pts)
Decanter
This is a very muscular style of Smith Haut Lafitte with great bio-precision that equates to intense flavors and textures. Mineral, stone, blueberry and wet earth. Long, persistent and solid. A classic Bordeaux style yet rich and exact.
95-96 points
James Suckling