2017 Ch Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge Grand Cru Classé, Pessac-Léognan

Bold tannins and powerful fruits give this perfumed wine concentration and a dense texture. It is rich in pure black fruit-flavors, with bright acidity that will allow for aging. The power and the structure of this wine are impressive, while not losing the crisp fruitiness of the vintage. Drink from 2024.

95-97 points Wine Enthusiast

The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte is easily one of the highlights of the vintage. Dense, unctuous and impeccably balanced, the 2017 exudes depth from start to finish. Charcoal embers, graphite, menthol, licorice and sage add myriad shades of nuance to the plush, unctuous dark raspberry jam fruit. This is a super impressive showing from Smith Haut Lafitte. I tasted the 2017 two times. On both occasions, the wine showed tremendous aromatic and flavor depth.

94-97 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

This is a solid Smith for the vintage with blackberry and blackcurrant character. Full to medium body, firm and silky tannins and a lingering finish. Excellent potential here.

95-96 points  James Suckling

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte opens slowly to reveal complex notes of crushed black cherries, black currants and wild blueberries with touches of lavender, pencil lead, cast iron pan and a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied and elegant with great freshness and quiet intensity, it has firm, grainy tannins and a sustained yet ethereal mid-palate, with a long, energetic, mineral-laced finish.

94-96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW robertparker.com

Since its revival under Daniel and Florence Cathiard, Château Smith Haut Lafitte has become one of Bordeaux's most admired estates, producing wines that unite innovation with centuries of tradition. Classified as a Grand Cru Classé de Graves, the estate is renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon led wines of remarkable purity, smoky complexity and exceptional longevity. Its deep Günzian gravel soils and meticulous vineyard practices have established Smith Haut Lafitte among the elite of Pessac Léognan.

The 2017 vintage rewarded careful vineyard management, producing fruit of impressive freshness, precision and balance. The estate's exceptional terroir delivered beautifully expressive Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while thoughtful élevage has created a wine of refinement, harmony and unmistakable regional character.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet reveals cassis, blackberry and black cherry layered with cedar, graphite and the subtle smoky notes that define great Pessac Léognan. As the wine opens, aromas of violets, cigar box, truffle and dark chocolate emerge, adding remarkable depth and sophistication. The palate is beautifully composed, combining concentrated black fruits with polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a finely etched mineral backbone. Long, graceful and effortlessly balanced, the finish lingers with savoury spice, smoky minerality and refined elegance.

A magnificent companion for Chateaubriand, roast lamb, venison, duck with black truffle or mature Comté. Already captivating with extended decanting, this outstanding Grand Cru Classé has the pedigree and balance to evolve beautifully for decades.