Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2015

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2015 is an exceptionally structured, opulent, and refined Grand Cru Classé red wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Cathiard family’s ownership, this vintage exhibits a deep garnet-purple hue and an explosive bouquet filled with notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, blueberry preserves, violet, liquorice, and cedarwood, underlaid by a signature crushed-rock mineral core. On the palate, it is full-bodied, complex, and beautifully balanced, featuring velvety, finely-grained tannins, vibrant freshness, and an exceedingly long, spiced, dark-fruit finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs magnificently with roasted rack of lamb, prime ribeye steak, braised veal shanks, duck breast with berry reduction, or wild mushroom risotto.

99 Points - James Suckling

The currants and blackberries on the nose are very impressive with wet-earth and lavender undertones. Full body and super-integrated tannins that melt into the wine. The quality of the tannins is incredible with fantastic length and mouthfeel. So much concentration and balance at the same time. Such beauty. From biodynamic grapes. This is the greatest wine ever from here. Drink in 2022.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This vintage is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, matured in 65% new oak barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple, the 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte has a totally dazzling nose of exotic spices—star anise, fenugreek and Sichuan pepper—over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries, plum preserves, violets and earthy wafts of truffles, moss, tilled black soil and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced and packing a lot of flavor into a relatively modest package, it fills the mouth with spice and herb-laced black and blue fruit layers, supported by very ripe, very finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. This is already a show-stopping, heart-pounding beauty, but should also age incredibly!

96 Points - Wine Spectator

This pumps out some serious blackberry, boysenberry, raspberry and black currant fruit flavors, with the texture of compote and a racy edge thanks to a terrific bolt of graphite that runs throughout. Waves of anise, roasted apple wood and tobacco drive the finish, with the fruit keeping pace easily. Destined for a long life. Best from 2025 through 2045.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This wine is dense in expressive, dark fruit and solid tannins which give it a rich, enveloping feel. With its spicy score and crisp acidity, there is great potential for aging. Drink from 2025.