Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2019 Pessac-Léognan

99 POINTS

James Suckling

Intense blackberry and graphite character coming out of the glass, together with dried violets, ink and some asphalt. Full-bodied with wonderfully integrated tannins that spread across the palate and then draw you deep into the wine. Lead-pencil and blackcurrant aftertaste. Tightly wound with a cashmere-like texture. A whole and thought-provoking wine. Try after 2028 and beyond.

98 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

Rich in black fruits with a structure that acts as a support. Acidity and blackberry flavors with hints of black coffee and a core of denseness that is very fine. The wine will age well, drink from 2026. Organic and biodynamic.

97 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

The aromatics are highly seductive, the texture silky and round, tannins relatively soft as they were in 2018, but lots of them, layering up one on top of the next. Violet rim around the edge, all the signs of an excellent quality En Primeur sample are here. Not quite as lush as the 2018, a little more like the 2016 in structure at this stage, boding well for the future. Refined in style with cassis and blueberry - good focus and concentration. Tasted twice, three weeks apart, and both times seriously impressive. 60% new oak, 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

96 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

A wine that has great richness with spice, one of a line of great whites from this estate. Tropical fruits and generosity give a ripe, full-bodied wine, that is immediately attractive. The wine is going to age further, drink from 2024. Organic and biodynamic.

96 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a solid red with a compact, tight palate of black fruit and currants, as well as very pretty, powerful yet polished tannins. This shows finesse with structure.