The grand vin, the 2011 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is another great successes (and that’s saying something after the remarkable duo of 2009 and 2010 as well as the brilliant 2008). This wine exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, mulberries, licorice and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, nicely integrated acidity, wood and alcohol, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45 seconds, this brilliant wine should drink well for 15-20 years. Drink: 2014 - 2034
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014

(91-93)
An impressive effort, this 2011 exhibits a dense saturated ruby/purple color along with lots of graphite, black currant and camphor notes, medium to full body, and surprising depth, richness and length. Tannins are present, but they are relatively sweet and unobtrusive. A crisp character gives the wine vibrancy as well as impressive delineation. It should drink well for 15+ years.

The grand vin, the 2011 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is another great successes (and that’s saying something after the remarkable duo of 2009 and 2010 as well as the brilliant 2008). This wine exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, mulberries, licorice and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, nicely integrated acidity, wood and alcohol, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45 seconds, this brilliant wine should drink well for 15-20 years. One of the best run estates in Bordeaux, Smith-Haut-Lafitte’s owners, the Cathiard family, has produced a beautiful second wine in 2011.

Offers pure, driven plum, cassis and black cherry notes inlaid with graphite and roasted wood spice. Dense without being overextracted. Very sleek. Rock-solid.—J.M.

The Smith Haut Lafitte is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new oak. The harvest (for the red) was between 15th September and finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon and 30th September and it represents 39% of the crop. It has a lifted bouquet with ripe blackberry, cassis, black olive and fruits de mer with fine delineation. With continued aeration there is just a hint of violet. The palate is beautiful, very dense and concentrated with superb delineation and wonderful purity and minerality towards the finish. It is very long in the mouth. Excellent. N.B. This does not include the full vin de presse. Tasted April 2012.

Perfumed and very pretty with delicate spices, berries and flowers. Medium to full body, with ultra fine tannins and a lovely finish. Balanced and delicious. Not a big wine but shows finesse.

Opaque purple-ruby. Superripe aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and graphite. Bright, fresh and juicy, with sneaky concentration to the black fruit and mineral flavors. The finish is long and pure, with enticing notes of minerals and cedar. A more refined Smith Haut Lafitte than usual, very well done.

Drink 2017-2028 Deep black cherry colour. Ripe, even minty, dark fruit. Plenty of sweet oak too. Upright, firm and tightly structured, with a strong graphite core and just enough fruit. No lack of freshness but it is a little drying now. Hope it will come round. (JH)