90 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1998

This wine is already showing exceptionally well, even though it is not close to its plateau of maturity. The deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of roasted herbs intermixed with sweet black currant fruit, truffles, vanillin, and minerals. Lush, with ripe cassis fruit on the attack, outstanding balance, medium body, and layers of intensity, this is an elegant, graceful, smoothly textured, beautifully made Bordeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2018. Since the acquisition of this estate by the Cathiard family, this property has become one of Bordeaux's success stories, producing elegant, flavorful, complex, very complete wines.

90 -92 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1997

This property is worthy of readers' interest as the wines continue to go from strength to strength (this is also true of the gorgeous dry white wines being made at Smith-Haut-Lafitte). This is unquestionably the finest wine yet made under the new, highly dedicated Cathiard regime (who purchased this estate at the beginning of the decade). The 1995, which was impressive when tasted in March, 1996, continues to suggest it is going to be a terrific wine for the vintage. The opaque purple color, and sweet, blackcurrant nose intermixed with aromas of smoke, minerals, and high quality new oak, are followed by a layered, gracefully constructed wine with well-integrated tannin, exceptional purity, a sweet inner-core of fruit, and a long finish. Purchasers of this wine should cellar it for 4-6 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025. Impressive!

90 -92 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1996

The 1995 is unquestionably the best wine yet made by the Cathiards, as well as the finest Smith-Haut-Lafitte I have ever tasted. The color is a saturated purple, and the nose offers up abundant quantities of smoky black fruit and toasty oak scents. Rich and medium-bodied, with an inner core of sweetness and an expansive mid-palate, this wine low acidity, dazzling definition and purity, and a long, character-filled finish. Its low acidity, and excellent richness and definition suggest this wine will be approachable in its youth and keep for 12-15+ years. Kudos to the Cathiards for their pursuit of excellence. The relatively new owners, the Cathiards, continue to make every effort to turn Smith-Haut-Lafitte into one of Bordeaux's showcase estates. Despite the rainy Septembers Bordeaux has had since they acquired the property, the 1994 and 1995 are tributes to the extraordinary meticulousness and professionalism of this young couple. All of the wines in this segment were tasted between March 19 and March 28 in Bordeaux. Most of the important wines from both the 1994 and 1995 vintages were tasted three separate times during my ten-day stay in Bordeaux.

91 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1998

The 1995, which was impressive from barrel, is a terrific wine - both rich and elegant. The opaque purple color, and sweet, black currant nose intermixed with aromas of smoke, minerals, and high quality new oak, are followed by a layered, gracefully constructed wine with well-integrated tannin, exceptional purity, a sweet inner-core of fruit, and a long finish. Purchasers of this wine should cellar it for 4-6 years. Along with the 1996, this is unquestionably the finest wine made by the highly dedicated Cathiard regime (who purchased this estate in 1991).Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025. Last tasted 11/97

90 points,

Wine Spectator, January 1998

Big and tannic, this needs time. Lots of red berries and floral character on nose and palate. Full-bodied, with a slightly hollow midpalate at the moment. Very tannic, with an extracted, mouthpuckering finish. Try after 2002. 9,100 cases made. –JS

90 points,

Wine Spectator, January 2007

Aromas of blackberries, with hints of cedar and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, with silky, firm tannins and a medium finish. Needs time still.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. 9,100 cases made. –JS

About Winery

The noble Bosq family started growing grapes here as early as 1365. The property was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith, who gave the estate its present name.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith Haut Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques and age-old methods: organic compost, small wooden vats, ageing on the lees in barrel, etc. 

According to Robert Parker, "One can't say enough about what proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard have accomplished at this estate since 1990. ..They have fashioned one of the most consistently outstanding wines, both white and red, over the last two decades."
(The Wine Advocate, April 2010)
 
Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith Haut Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

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