Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2018

Type: Red Wine      Volume: 750ml

Winery: Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

Country: France     Region: Bordeaux

District: Pessac Leognan

Grapes Varieties: 4% Cabernet Franc,60% Cabernet Sauvignon,2% Petit Verdot,34% Merlot

Classification: Cru Classe de Graves in 1959     Production: 10,000 cases

Alcohol: 14.5% abv     Packing: Original Case of 12 bottles

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

JS=98 Purity of fruit here with plum and cherry aromas, as well as wet earth and spice. Light stone. Very floral and vivid. Full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that are balanced and polished. Savory finish. Incredibly polished and refined. Goes on for minutes. One of the finest Smith-Haut Lafittes I have tasted. Drink after 2024.

RP=97+ A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new barriques, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte bursts onto the scene with showy scents of crème de cassis, mocha, licorice, and cedar chest, followed by suggestions of baked plums, smoked meats, tar, and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate brings sophistication to all that flamboyant fruit with a beautifully styled frame of finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing bright and fruity with loads of minerally sparks. This is a stunning, singular style that is sure to turn heads!

WS=97 Ripe and seductive, with a caressing wave of cassis, plum puree, and blackberry compote flavors that hold sway throughout, but not without support from enticing savory, licorice, warm loam, and mineral accents along the way. Cashmere finish lets everything sail on and on. Gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. 10,000 cases made.

AG=94 The 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte is a powerful wine. Huge, searing tannins dominate the balance. Readers will have to be exceedingly patient. After several hours of air, the fruit finally starts to emerge. Blackberry, grilled herb, smoke, licorice, and incense all take shape in the glass. The impression is of brooding, somber, unrestrained power. Sadly, mildew took with it 50% of the potential crop.