2025 Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge (1.5L)

So aromatic and expressive, with pure currants and mint, plus some chocolate. Fennel too. Wow. Medium- to full-bodied with very deep fruit, fine, velvety tannins and a long, fine texture. The precision and depth are impressive. More fruit-driven than usual. It grows on the palate and is compact at the end. Very cabernet in the end. Almost like St.-Julien and Pauillac in nature. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. ~ (98) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 4-30-2026

This is so good, so much energy and depth, slate and wet stones holding interest and the palate expands, showing fragrant capsicum pepper, crushed mint, toasted spices, cumin, liquorice, cassis, cocoa bean, fully in the DNA of Smith Haut Lafitte. Harvest 1 to 30 September, and here they paused over that rain of September 23, as did Château Margaux - both estates were richly rewarded for this choice. 50% new oak for ageing. Last vintage of Daniel Cathiard, and expect a label commemorating the remarkable impact he had on this brilliant estate. ~ (98) Jane Anson, Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux 4-16-2026

Deep purple-black colour. Rich, dark fruit on the nose with crême de cassis and blueberry notes and a hint of minty freshness. Palate texturally smooth and ripe, even a touch of sweetness, but a big, bold tannic frame behind. Built to age. ~ (17) James Lawther, JancisRobinson.com 4-20-2026

The 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte is a very classy, elegant wine. Lavender, spice and mint open first, followed by a burst of black/purplish fruit. Medium in body, with terrific freshness, the 2025 is impeccably done. The lighter style vis-à-vis most years is quite attractive. ~ (95) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 4-28-2026

The 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked between September 3 and 30 at 28 hl/ha and raised in 50% new oak. It has a well-defined bouquet with mainly black fruit intertwined with Earl Grey, sous-bois and cigar box scents, a much more classical style of Smith Haut-Lafitte compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a subtle tobacco note that percolates through the black fruit, more structure coming through towards the sapid finish with a dash of black pepper on the aftertaste. This will fill out in barrel and should become a refined and quite delicious Smith Haut-Lafitte that will repay time in bottle. ~ (97) Neal Martin, Vinous 5-7-2026

One of my favorite wines in the vintage, the 2025 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, raised in 50% new oak, 45% old barrel, and 5% foudre. Beautiful darker fruits, scorched earth, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and graphite all define the aromatics, and on the palate, it's full-bodied, with a deep, concentrated mid-palate, beautiful tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It brings beautiful ripeness as well as a balanced, textured, seamless style. ~ (99) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 5-11-2026