2022, Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, PESSAC-LEOGNAN

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot (1%)

Daniel and Florence Cathiard transformed this property in the early 1990s and have been making very individual, stylish wines since then which combine flavours of classic earthy Graves with silky and seductive new oak from barrels produced by their in-house Cooper. The 2022 is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte is fragrant and very pure on the nose: beautiful blackberry, raspberry and liquorice. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, very elegant and focused, fine-boned with an exceptionally pure and caressing tobacco-tinged finish. This is going to grow to be a wonderful, delicious Smith Haut Lafitte. 95-97 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Inky colour, with vivid vibrant edging, curling and fragrant floral aromatics, plenty of energy from the first kick of peony and mandarin peel. The rich density of the blue and black fruits are set against slate and grippy tannins, giving textural contrast which makes it engaging, together with a saline scrape on the finish. Blueberry, cassis, ink, liquorice root, graphite, pink grapefruit, intensely expressed with a vertical rise through the palate, very much true to estate signature. 97 Jane Anson.

The polish, texture, complexity and patina are very impressive and fascinating. So spicy and interesting with so much going on. Medium body with wonderfully integrated tannins that are cut and nicely chiselled already. 97-98 James Suckling.

Dark, glossy blackish purple. Glossy, glamorous impression on the nose. Very juicy and extremely sweet. Very flattering with masses of fruit almost covering the very ripe tannins. This should be drinkable very early but should also last well. Notably long. Velvety texture but with the freshness of Graves. Lovely wine. 18/20 Jancis Robinson.

Drinking Window: 2030 - 2065