CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE 2016

Atop Pessac-Léognan's prestigious Günz gravel plateau, where generations of winegrowers have tended vines since 1365, Château Smith Haut Lafitte's 2016 vintage showcases the extraordinary potential of this organically farmed single-block terroir. Former Olympic skiers Daniel and Florence Cathiard's meticulous "Bio-Precision" approach combines traditional methods with innovation – using horse-drawn plows, maintaining their own cooperage, and employing plant-based treatments to nurture vines averaging 48 years old. This masterful blend (65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) undergoes gentle whole-berry fermentation in small wooden vats before 18 months aging in 60% new oak barrels. The resulting Grand Cru Classé reveals profound depth – nearly black in color with remarkable complexity balancing concentrated blackberry and cherry fruit against delicate floral notes and smoky minerality, its powerful structure underpinned by the vineyard's signature freshness derived from roots reaching six meters deep through sun-warmed stones that perfectly reflect ripening light.

Wine Advocate (98/100): Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and matured in 60% new oak for 18 months, the 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a very deep garnet-purple color, opening with sensuous scents of warm black cherries, blackberry pie, star anise and fragrant lilacs with hints of chocolate box, cigar box and pencil lead plus wafts of truffles and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive, it completely fills the palate with perfumed black berry preserves and superbly plush tannins, finishing epically long and beautifully layered. (L. Perrotti-Brown)

James Suckling (97/100): The blackcurrant and blueberry aromas are lifted and beautiful. Lots of flowers, too, together with some mushroom and dried-flower undertones. Full-bodied with firm and very silky tannins giving a lovely texture. Bright acidity lifts the finish and gives it drive and force. Better after 2025.

Vinous (95+/100): The 2016 Smith Haut-Lafitte has an opulent, lavish bouquet with layers of black cherry, Christmas cake, dark chocolate and vanilla. This wants to make an impression. The palate is very seductive, featuring lush red berry fruit, brown spices and saturated tannins. Some new oak is evident on the finish, but that will be subsumed with bottle age. I can see this aging well. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (N. Martin)