This is a tight, more tannic Petit with a medium to full body and linear, racy phenolics. Blackberries, blueberries and some pine needles and stones. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot.

Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)

This is laden with cassis and bilberry - Cabernet dominant, with clearly defined muscles. Juicy and elegant, I love this, it is less approachable now than the Petit Haut de Smith, but hugely enjoyable, and has the precision that is the mark of the good wines in this vintage. A touch of austerity on the finish. 30% new oak.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte captures all the pedigree of the Grand Vin, but naturally in a more approachable style. Graphite, lavender, spice, menthol, blackberry jam and chocolate all saturate the palate. Savory, deep and exquisitely layered, the 2020 has it all. It's a great example of how compelling the best second wines are today. I have no doubt Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a more complete wine than some Grand Vins of previous generations.
Vinous.com

Deep in color, the complex nose shows off its floral, spice, smoke, tobacco, olive, herb and currant profile with ease. On the palate, the wine is fresh, sweet, lifted and juicy, with a beautiful sweetness to the fruits, silky tannins and a soft, round, polished endnote. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. 91-93

Drink Date
2025 - 2040

Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aging in 30% new barriques, the 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with alluring scents of blackberry preserves, Black Forest cake and warm cassis, plus wafts of red roses and cinnamon toast with a hint of dried mint. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers plush tannins and soft acidity to support the generous, juicy black fruits, finishing on a lingering minty note.

The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte checks in as a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Blueberries, black cherries, tobacco, and earthy notes all define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate and dense, with plenty of richness and building tannins. This is another seriously delicious, satisfying Pessac-Léognan that does everything right.

The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has an intriguing bouquet of blackberry, truffle and light earthy scents, almost Pomerol in style. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins and fine acidity, lightly peppered and leading to a smooth finish that just needs a little more grip. Having said that, there is commendable salinity and this should drink well for a decade.

vinous.com