Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Leognan

95 points Wine Enthusiast

This wine is distinct in its texture, with a mere hint of spice from wood. What makes it special is the harmony among perfume, acidity, texture and superb fruit. The wine finishes with a touch of saltiness. It needs plenty of time, don’t drink before 2022

97 points Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm redcurrants, baked blackberries and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, dried roses, underbrush and pencil lead plus a waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a fantastic core of densely packed red and black fruits, framed by wonderfully ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Rating: 97+

95 points Wine Spectator

Intense blackberry and raspberry paste flavors run through the middle, flanked by steeped anise, black licorice and roasted apple wood notes. The finish is grounded by a strong graphite spine, while the fruit pumps through. A lingering echo of violet adds a graceful accent. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2038.

97 points James Suckling

Wonderful depth of fruit here with blackberries, wet earth, mushrooms, dark chocolate and violets. Full-bodied, tight and poised with polished and compressed tannins. Consistent finish. Linear and focused. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.