Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2018

VertdeVin

The nose offers a beautiful elegance, a beautiful finesse of the grain, definition as well as pulpy/juicy fruit and a certain power (full of finesse). It reveals notes of fleshy blackcurrant , fleshy/crushed cassis, small notes of plum associated with touches of strawberry, cornflower, terroir, a discreet hint of lilac, caramelization and Badiane. The palate is fruity/well-balanced, fresh, mineral and offers an acidulous frame, juiciness, tension as well as suavity as well as a beautiful matter and freshness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy/juicy blackberry, fresh/fruity cassis, small notes of small juicy/flattery red berries, violet, fresh lilac associated with touches of racy minerality, graphite, toasted/sweet spices, a very discreet hint of mild tobacco and Badiane. Good length. Tannins are well-built and elegant. A very discreet chew on bitterness on the persistence.

Wine Enthusiast

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot matured in 20% new barriques, the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notions of crushed black plums, fresh blackberries and mulberries with wafts of dark chocolate, cinnamon stick and unsmoked cigars, plus a waft of bouquet garni. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.

Jeannie Cho Lee

Wine Spectator

La Revue du Vin de France

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Cigar box, cedar, tobacco leaf, flowers, blackberry, currants, licorice, vanilla and dark cherry aromatics create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round,, soft, polished and fresh with good sweetness to the fruits, concentration and a finish loaded with cocoa, cherries, licorice, spice and espresso. This is a top vintage for Le Petit Haut Lafitte that will drink well for at least 12 years or more. The wine is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.