Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2018

10 Bottles available at time of offer

The 14th century estate has a wonderful following in Australia, and 2018 is not a time stop that support. This blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, while notes on the iconic white wine can be found below. -Tom Portet

James Suckling                             98-99
This is incredibly complex with hazelnut, currant, berry and dried-flower character. The impression of a vat of fermenting cabernet. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a long, soft and silky finish. Shows the essence of the fruit here. Fascinating. Layered and complex.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown                      97-99
The very deep purple-black colored 2018 Smith Haut Lafitte is a little shy to begin. With coaxing, it very slowly unfurls to reveal a heart-stopping perfume of violets, red roses, kirsch, black cherries and redcurrant jelly, before giving way to a profound core of warm blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, molten licorice and cinnamon stick with nuances of dried mint, orange blossoms (yes!) and cloves. Full-bodied, the fruit does veritable pirouettes on your palate, both elegant and powerful in its expression, coating the mouth with densely packed red and black fruits while revealing tons of mineral, floral and savory sparks, framed by exquisitely fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long.

Andrew Caillard, MW                                   95
Medium deep colour. Intense dark cherry hint rhubarb fruits with panforte notes. Dense and powerful with deep-set mulberry dark cherry fruits, rich chocolaty tannins, vanilla oak notes. and persistent acidity. A whip of alcohol on the finish. Very impressively structured and supple.

Jeff Leve            97-99
Decanter                  98