The 2012 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Bordeaux Blend, originating from the renowned Pessac Leognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France, is a red wine that has garnered significant acclaim from various esteemed wine critics. Produced by Smith-Haut-Lafitte, this vintage has been praised for its complexity, depth, and potential for aging.
Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 94, noting its "layered fig, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit notes" which are supported by "ample, yet polished and integrated, ganache-coated tannins." The review praises its display of fruit and terroir, recommending it be best enjoyed between 2018 and 2027 (J.M., Wine Spectator).
James Suckling also rated the 2012 Smith-Haut-Lafitte a score of 94, describing it as "very deep and sensual for the vintage" with flavors of "blackberry, tobacco, chocolate, coffee and spice." He highlights its full body and "super-integrated tannins," advising to give it a few more years to fully mature but acknowledges its current appeal (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com).
Wine Enthusiast echoes these sentiments, also rating it 94 and calling it a "dark and dense wine" with dominant tannins. They emphasize its "juicy acidity, firm dry structure, and a rich core," suggesting it is a wine meant for serious aging, recommending consumption from 2022 (Wine Enthusiast).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate offered the highest praise with a score of 95, describing the wine as "opaque bluish-purple" with notes of "licorice, graphite, blueberry and blackberry fruit." The review commends its "stunningly ripe, velvety tannins" and long finish, calling it a "sensational effort" from the Cathiards, suggesting it can be enjoyed over the next 20-25 years (Robert Parker, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Further endorsement comes from Jane Anson, who also rated it 94, noting the wine's "glamour and poise and depth of expression." She comments on its firm tannins and excellent quality, suggesting it will soften further with a few more years of aging (Jane Anson, janeanson.com).
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com highlights the wine's "earthy, truffle, smoky, espresso, blackberry, plum and dark cherry filled nose," describing it as "soft, plush and polished" with lingering ripe, sweet fruits (Jeff Leve, TheWineCellarInsider.com).
Lastly, The Wine Independent rated it 95, describing the wine as "medium to deep garnet-purple colored" with "flamboyant scents of boysenberries, blackberry preserves, and redcurrant jelly." The review appreciates its "elegant and seamless freshness," with "provocative black and red berry flavors and minerally sparks on the long, plush finish" (The Wine Independent).
Overall, the 2012 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Bordeaux Blend is celebrated for its rich complexity, depth, and aging potential, making it a standout vintage for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.