The 2010 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac Leognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Smith-Haut-Lafitte, this wine has been highly praised by several professional reviewers for its outstanding quality and potential for long-term aging.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated this wine 97 points, noting that it is "showing better than ever," with lush, opulent textures and elegant, silky tannins. He emphasized its inky dark color and primary character, suggesting that the wine's full potential will be realized as it continues to mature.
Cory Gowan of JJ Buckley also gave the wine a 97-point score, describing it as a "quintessential Graves wine" with a composition of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. He highlighted its rich and supple palate, sparkling visual appeal, and long finish with integrated tannins.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine 98 points, praising its "bold freshness" and notes of baked plums, boysenberries, and dried mulberries, along with an undercurrent of cigar box and new leather. The wine's firm, grainy tannins were noted for supporting its maturing fruit and a finish with a stewed tea note.
Neal Martin's Wine Journal rated it 95 points, commenting on its "seductive scents of luscious raspberry and wild strawberry" and a palate that is "rounded and pleasurable from the start." He mentioned the wine's fine acidity and gentle tannins, suggesting it will benefit from further aging.
Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both gave the wine 96 points. Wine Spectator's review highlighted its "alluring black tea and warm ganache notes," while Wine Enthusiast praised its "great black fruits" and "magnificent" potential for long-term aging.
James Suckling, John Gilman, and Jane Anson also provided high marks, with scores of 95, 95, and 98 respectively, each noting the wine's complexity, structure, and finesse.
Decanter's review was particularly enthusiastic, awarding the wine a near-perfect score of 99 points and calling it "a testament to all the efforts of the Cathiard family and their team." They praised its dense and concentrated palate, elegant tannic frame, and endless, fresh finish.
Finally, Jeb Dunnuck gave the wine a perfect score of 100 points, describing it as "a tour de force from Pessac-Leognan" with "absolutely heavenly aromatics" and "insane level of purity." He emphasized its potential to evolve gracefully for another 40+ years, although it is already "insanely good today."
In summary, the 2010 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux Blend with a strong potential for long-term aging, marked by its rich, complex flavors and elegant structure.