As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

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 with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. 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.

The style of Smith-Haut-Lafitte red is classical, with a beautiful expression of Gunzian gravel terroir which gives it unique smoky notes. Elegant and structured, the red shows freshness, complexity, balance and richness.

The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, harvested at full maturity and softly vinified to extract only the silkiest tannins, unveils its full potential after proper aging. The other grape varieties of the vineyard, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, add their own aromas and participate in the harmony of a great Cru Classe de Graves.

The 2014 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Smith-Haut-Lafitte, this red wine boasts a robust 14% alcohol content and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.

Highly regarded by critics, this vintage has received numerous commendations. Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast awarded it a stellar 96 points, describing it as "a powerful wine, made to age for a long time." Voss highlights its "complex tannins and dark fruits," noting that it possesses "weight, ripeness and a dense structure." He predicts that it will not be ready to drink before 2027, emphasizing its potential for long-term aging.

James Suckling, also giving it 96 points, points out the "big black-cherry and bitter-chocolate nose" and praises its "rich, concentrated palate." Suckling appreciates how the fruit "holds sway over the powerful, dry tannins," calling the finish "assertive" and "slightly earthy." He recommends trying it in 2021 for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Spectator's James Molesworth rates it at 94 points and notes its "generous feel." He describes the wine as having "ripe fig, boysenberry and blueberry compote fruit flavors" intertwined with "alluring roasted apple wood, melted licorice and warm fruitcake notes." Molesworth appreciates its "broad, mouthcoating finish" and "terrific graphite underpinning," recommending it be enjoyed between 2020 and 2035.

Vinous' Neal Martin provides a slightly more tempered review, scoring it 91 points. He characterizes the bouquet as "opulent" with "high-toned red fruit infused with meat juices" and "black truffle shavings." While he finds the wine "fresh with a peppery mid-palate," he notes a "little attenuation towards the finish" and suggests it is drinking ideally now.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also features Neal Martin's review, which awards the wine 93 points. He notes a "fragrant mulberry and strawberry scented bouquet" and compares it favorably to "the greatest Burgundy Grand Cru." Martin describes the palate as "medium-bodied with a soft and mellow opening" and highlights its "leather-tinged fruit on the open and inviting finish."

Decanter's review, scoring it 94 points, praises the wine's "full extraction" and "high oak and firm tannins." The review highlights the "rich coffee and damson fruit" and notes its "fine tannic structure" and "vibrancy and integrity of the fruit" due to organic and biodynamic practices.

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gives it 95 points, noting that it has "gained complexity, depth and softness" since its barrel tasting. He describes it as "full bodied, fleshy and concentrated" with "juicy, sweet, ripe, fresh, dark fruits, smoke, licorice and oak."

Jane Anson also scores it 95 points, appreciating how Smith-Haut-Lafitte delivers "sleek, poised and subtly gourmet wines even in more austere vintages." She notes its "fine but firm tannins" and "primary fruits, cassis and blueberry, grilled oak," describing it as "lovely stuff with a mouthwatering finish."

In summary, the 2014 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend praised for its complexity, rich fruit profile, and aging potential. Multiple reviewers highlight its robust structure, making it a wine that promises to evolve beautifully over the next decade and beyond.