2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte
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Tasting notes
This has very pretty cabernet aromas of blackcurrants and iodine with cloves, stone and just a hint of fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with a firmness and freshness on the palate, leading to a linear and racy finish with plenty of energy. Crunchy. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. From organically grown grapes.
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
More Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and it's another medium-bodied, pretty, elegant, impressive wine from this team. Cassis, redcurrants, tobacco leaf, and a hint of leather all shine here, and it's focused and nicely structured on the palate, with fine tannins and a great finish. Where the Les Hauts de Smith is up-front and ready to go, this is going to benefit from at least 2-3 years in the cellar.
The 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte clearly has greater fruit intensity on the nose, mainly black fruit with touches of loam and white pepper. The oak here is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and notable salinity, closing with a cohesive and persistent finish. There’s plenty of freshness here, but this will need two or three years in bottle. It should drink well for 12 to 15 years.
The 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a seriously impressive wine. A burst of sweet dark fruit, kirsch, lavender, sweet spice and leather makes a strong first impression. Charming and engaging, the 2021 offers tons of Cabernet Sauvignon character and a kiss of new French oak that works so well here. Impeccable.
About the producer
Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan today – all thanks to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who took over the property in 1990 and have since transformed the estate, converting to biodynamics and crafting wines of increasing finesse.