Cory Gowan, JJ Buckley, February 2013

65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot. Aged for 16-18 months in 50% new oak. Visually, it's a sparkling jewel. Yields were down this year, making this very concentrated on the nose, with intense aromas of raspberry liqueur, cassis, lilacs and red and white flowers. This is locked and loaded! Modern styled, this addictive red is rich, supple and pure on the palate. It finishes very long, with ample integrated tannins that start to turn a bit velvety towards the finish. You could almost drink this now, it's just that good. Known as the "quintessential Graves," Smith-Haut-Lafitte comes from one block of gravel terroir and has been owned by the Cathiard family since 1990. Stephane Derenoncourt consults.

95 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, February 2013

Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and plums follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Lots of mushroom and fruit undertones. Very polished. Such finesse yet structure to this young wine. Better in 2007.

Jancis Robinson, November 2012

That fine combination of pure dark fruit and savoury graphite that is so Bordeaux. On the palate it is much more fluid than most that have this much structure. Even with all that structure there is a lightness of touch and a freshness on the finish. Real finesse and subtlety. 18/20 (JH)

94 -95 points,

Jeff Leve, TheWineCellarInsider.com, April 2011

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot formed the assemblage. Deeply colored and filled with smoke, cassis, jam and licorice coated dark berry aromas, this rich, juicy, concentrated wine ends with a long opulent, fat, sweet, jammy black fruit and vanilla finish.

93 -95 points,

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, April 2011

With a pH of 3.62, the Grand Vin is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the bouquet is very intense and focused, stricter than the 2009 last year with blackberry, a touch of cassis and a hint of boysenberry. Fine delineation, the mineralité beginning to emerge after one minute in the glass. One is immediately struck by the almost citrus-like freshness on the entry, tight at first but then fanning out beautifully across the mouth towards the wonderfully structured finish that has more tension than it knows what to do with. Very persistent, very long. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

98 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, March 2013

This is an extraordinary performance once again from the Cathiard family, the proprietors of Smith-Haut-Lafitte. They think the 2010 is even better than the 2009. (I disagree, but only slightly.) This wine has laser-like definition in its an remarkable nose of a subtle charcoal fire interwoven with spring flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur and spicy wood. Full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, long, rich and moderately tannic, this wine is set for an exceptionally long life of 30-40 years but can be drunk in 5-7. 98+

96 points,

Wine Enthusiast, May 2013

A beautifully ripe wine with great black fruits that burst through the classic tannins. In its richness and in its structure, it combines the best of the vintage. Dark, complex, fruity and very rich, a magnificent wine for long-term aging. -R.V.

96 points,

Wine Spectator, March 2013

Gorgeous, with alluring black tea and warm ganache notes that unfurl slowly, while the core of intense steeped plum, anise, blackberry compote and black currant confiture sits patiently in reserve. The beautiful loam-, tobacco- and tar-filled finish displays major heft, but also remarkable polish and grace. Should age very slowly. Best from 2018 through 2035. -JM

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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