Verkostungsnotizen
Vinous 96
The 2019 Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the Cathiards greatest triumphs in recent years. It is noticeably deep in colour. The aromatics burst from the glass-blackberry and flecks of blueberry, a veil of dark chocolate that emerges with time. It shows much less red fruit than a bottle in 2023 exhibited, instead more similar to a bottle I encountered in 2021. This is still on the oaky side, telegraphing that it s in for the long haul. The palate is structured and exerts insistent grip, though simultaneously feels precise and focused as it reveals layers of black fruit tinged with black olive and rosemary. Again, the 2019 is certainly on the youthful side, bright and quite grippy. I would cellar bottles another four to five years to appreciate what will be a Smith Haut Lafitte in full flight. Outstanding.
Anticipated maturity: 2031-2065
Robert Parker 96
The 2019 Smith Haut Lafitte has turned out very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with a complex bouquet of dark berries, cassis, forest floor, pencil shavings, licorice and spices. Full-bodied, broad and velvety, it’s layered and elegantly muscular, underpinned by rich structuring tannins and lively acids, and it concludes with a long, expansive finish. This is another estate where the viticultural and stylistic evolutions of the last decade have delivered a beautifully balanced, harmonious 2019.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2055
