Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge - Pessac-Léognan 1995

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

The 1995, which was impressive from barrel, is a terrific wine - both rich and elegant. The opaque purple color, and sweet, black currant nose intermixed with aromas of smoke, minerals, and high quality new oak, are followed by a layered, gracefully constructed wine with well-integrated tannin, exceptional purity, a sweet inner-core of fruit, and a long finish. Purchasers of this wine should cellar it for 4-6 years. Along with the 1996, this is unquestionably the finest wine made by the highly dedicated Cathiard regime (who purchased this estate in 1991).Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025. Last tasted 11/97

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

This wine is already showing exceptionally well, even though it is not close to its plateau of maturity. The deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of roasted herbs intermixed with sweet black currant fruit, truffles, vanillin, and minerals. Lush, with ripe cassis fruit on the attack, outstanding balance, medium body, and layers of intensity, this is an elegant, graceful, smoothly textured, beautifully made Bordeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2018. Since the acquisition of this estate by the Cathiard family, this property has become one of Bordeaux's success stories, producing elegant, flavorful, complex, very complete wines.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1998

Big and tannic, this needs time. Lots of red berries and floral character on nose and palate. Full-bodied, with a slightly hollow midpalate at the moment. Very tannic, with an extracted, mouthpuckering finish. Try after 2002. 9,100 cases made.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1997

This property is worthy of readers' interest as the wines continue to go from strength to strength (this is also true of the gorgeous dry white wines being made at Smith-Haut-Lafitte). This is unquestionably the finest wine yet made under the new, highly dedicated Cathiard regime (who purchased this estate at the beginning of the decade). The 1995, which was impressive when tasted in March, 1996, continues to suggest it is going to be a terrific wine for the vintage. The opaque purple color, and sweet, blackcurrant nose intermixed with aromas of smoke, minerals, and high quality new oak, are followed by a layered, gracefully constructed wine with well-integrated tannin, exceptional purity, a sweet inner-core of fruit, and a long finish. Purchasers of this wine should cellar it for 4-6 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025. Impressive!

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1996

The 1995 is unquestionably the best wine yet made by the Cathiards, as well as the finest Smith-Haut-Lafitte I have ever tasted. The color is a saturated purple, and the nose offers up abundant quantities of smoky black fruit and toasty oak scents. Rich and medium-bodied, with an inner core of sweetness and an expansive mid-palate, this wine low acidity, dazzling definition and purity, and a long, character-filled finish. Its low acidity, and excellent richness and definition suggest this wine will be approachable in its youth and keep for 12-15+ years. Kudos to the Cathiards for their pursuit of excellence. The relatively new owners, the Cathiards, continue to make every effort to turn Smith-Haut-Lafitte into one of Bordeaux's showcase estates. Despite the rainy Septembers Bordeaux has had since they acquired the property, the 1994 and 1995 are tributes to the extraordinary meticulousness and professionalism of this young couple.