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2021 Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
- Red
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Not ready
(Drink 2026 - 2043)
- James Lawther MW
- 16.5+/20
- Neal Martin
- 92-94/100
- William Kelley
- 93-95/100
- James Suckling
- 96-97/100
- Jane Anson MW
- 96/100
Product: 20218011879
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Description
Cabernet Sauvignon 63%, Merlot 33%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Petit Verdot 1%
The Cathiard family’s 80-hectare estate was certified organic in 2019. Ever the innovators, they tested out UVB rays alongside biodynamic applications to combat mildew. Nonetheless, their total production was cut by half, owing to frost and strict berry selection. The nose is ripe and brightly perfumed, with concentrated small-berry fruit and red cherries. New oak (60%) from their in-house cooperage brings a hint of sweetness without dominating. The palate is polished and elegant, showing depth, structure and impressive length. Drink 2027-2045.
Our score: 16.5/20
Berry Bros. & Rudd, April 2022
Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2021
Alcohol % 13.5%
Maturity Not ready
(2026 - 2043)
Grape List Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Petit Verdot (1%)
Body Full Bodied
Producer Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Critics reviews
James Lawther MW 16.5+/20
Dark crimson. Some ripe red fruit on the nose. Polished tannins and there is energy here. This sample seems to have a more convincing core than yesterday’s sample tasted at the château. Good level of interest and detail here. Even if the level of acidity is higher than usual and the tannins obviously took some taming. Sweeter than some.
Drink 2028 - 2042
Neal Martin 92-94/100
The 2021 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked from September 22 to October 14, and matured in 60% new oak. It has an open, expressive bouquet of blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco and subtle crushed rock aromas, well-defined though obviously not as flamboyant as the previous three vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and mineral-driven, with fine tannins, a touch of chalkiness, and hints of seaweed on the estuarine finish, even though it lies a few kilometers from the Gironde! Classic in style, and maybe a little austere for some on the finish, yet it feels long in the mouth. Fabien Teitgen and his team have overseen a superb Smith Haut-Lafitte, even though I suspect that it will not reach the heights of the 2010 or the 2016.
Drink 2026 - 2050
William Kelley 93-95/100
A brilliant wine, the 2021 Smith Haut Lafitte offers up aromas of blackberries, violets, coniferous forest floor and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's deep and impressively multidimensional, with good concentration, beautifully refined tannins and notable purity of fruit, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. The fruit of a severe selection, this blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot is testament to the Cathiard family's unwavering commitment to quality.
James Suckling 96-97/100
Lots of clove, black-licorice and cigar-box character. Already perfumed. Medium body with fine, chalky and precise tannins. Lead-pencil shavings. Well framed and structured with a fresh, lengthy and spicy finish. Extremely long and intense. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes.
Jane Anson MW 96/100
Skilful winemaking on display here, sculpted flavours and textures, a sense of momentum and push-and-pull through the palate. Quince, white pear, mango, nectarine, peach, with savoury white tea, liqourice, mandarin peel and lemongrass, all delivered with pummice stone minerality. This has complexity and poise, and is along the wines of the vintage. Harvest September 2 to 20.
Drink 2023 - 2032
About this wine
Pessac-Léognan
In 1986 a new communal district was created within Graves, based on the districts of Pessac and Léognan. Pessac-Léognan has the best soils of the region, very similar to those of the Médoc, although the depth of gravel is more variable, and contains all the classed growths of the region. Some of its great names, including Ch. Haut-Brion, even sit serenely and resolutely in Bordeaux's southern urban sprawl.
Find out more
Registered company 05492886. BB&R Limited, trading as Berry Bros. & Rudd, 3 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1EG. All rights reserved. You must be 18 or over to order. Calls may be recorded.
