Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge |
Vintage | 2022 |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux, Graves |
Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux Blend |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Drinkable | 2027-2045 |
Stock | 0 |
The polish, texture, complexity and patina are very impressive and fascinating. So spicy and interesting with so much going on. Medium body with wonderfully integrated tannins that are cut and nicely chiselled already. Lemon and violet. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
Dark purplish crimson. Sappy, toasty and appealing. Very round and gorgeous. Well done, Fabien Teitgen! Pure pleasure on the surface with a well-disguised mass of tannin underneath. Really lovely already. (JR)
The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte was cropped at 29hL/ha between 5 and 30 September, undergoing half the extraction, aged in 60% new oak for a planned 18 months. It is fragrant and very pure on the nose: beautiful blackberry, raspberry and liquorice. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, very elegant and focused, fine-boned with an exceptionally pure and caressing tobacco-tinged finish. This is going to grow to be a wonderful, delicious Smith Haut Lafitte. 14.5% alcohol.
Moving to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. This ripe, powerful, concentrated wine reminds me of the 2010 with its structure, concentrated mid-palate, and just sheer density and regal, full-bodied style on the palate. Despite its size, it stays balanced, has a beautiful perfume of sweet black fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and spring flowers, building tannins, and a great, great finish.
The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte opens in the glass with attractive aromas of cassis, spices, tobacco, graphite and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that is deep and layered, with good depth and powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the finish. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot will require some patience, given its somewhat extracted style.