Magnum Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge

Wein Wisser

18 / 20

the5/22/2017

65 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Petit Verdot, 60 % neue Barriques, weniger Alkohol als 2010 oder 2014. Tiefes Granat. Verführerische Nase mit reifen Heidelbeeren, Schattenmorellen, Fliederund Brombeergelee, dahinter Kokos, Kurkuma (süsses Gewürz) und Schokonoten. Am Gaumen seidige Textur mit stützendem Tannin, der engmaschige Körper zeigt sich präsent und kleidet den Gaumen voll aus. Man unterschätzt den femininen Start, danach schlägt er zu, kann noch zulegen! Hat Frische, Süsse und Länge. Fabien Teitgen berichtet von einer Besonderheit: Die Kerne waren dieses Jahr früher reif als die Schalen!

Bettane & Desseauve

96-97 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Complexe, subtil, tannin très harmonieux, grande longueur, sans doute le plus abouti de toute son histoire récente.

Wine Advocate

96-98 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that was picked between 29 September and 19 October at 35 hectoliters per hectare. It is being matured in 60% new oak for a total of 18 months. "We have never been so proud of our Cabernet Sauvignon," winemaker Fabien Tietgen told me. Now, this has a much subtler bouquet than recent vintages, you could argue, more intellectual than the 2015 Smith-Haut-Lafitte. First there are aromas of blackberry, briary and just a hint of iodine, then underneath that, marine-like aromas such as freshly shucked oyster shells, pressed flowers and a touch of brown spice. There is wonderful delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of tightly-wound black fruit, intermingling with smoke, black pepper, spice box and a touch of bay leaf. This is an extremely precise Smith-Haut-Lafitte, certainly a cerebral 2016 that might well be approachable young, yet will certainly age in consummate style. The château's own tasting note reads "What more could one possibly want from a wine?" The answer to that is: "Another bottle."

The Wine Cellar Insider

96-98 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2017

With a good depth of color, the wine is almost opaque with dark purple accents. Espresso, smoke, black fruits, wet earth, licorice, truffle and dark chocolate come right out, when asked. Full bodied, fat and opulent, with serious density, length, character and tannins. The tannins are ripe, but this is going to need time in the cellar, even with all the ripe, supple fruits. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.75% alcohol with a Ph of 3.7, the harvest took place from September 22 to October 12 and the Grand Vin represents just 40% of the harvest.

Vinous

94-97 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte is fabulous. Subtle, nuanced and classy, it speaks to finesse more than power. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. Gracious and light on its feet, the 2016 possesses exceptional balance and class, with captivating freshness and energy that gives lift to the dark red/purplish-hued fruit. There is much to like here.

Decanter.com

97 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2017

This is gorgeous, extremely ripe, tight, fresh and rich. It has clear, deep tannins and a thrilling tension that slices right through the ripe, autumnal fruit and teases out the finish. There are true layers to the wine, with flavours of cassis, liquorice and charcoal, demonstrating a reserved power that keeps on delivering. The tannin count is at a full 100IPT, a touch higher than in 2010 but they just float along, offering the perfect resistance and interest in your mouth. Technical director Fabien Teitgen used 10% stems in the vinification for 2016, utilising organic winemaking methods. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet franc and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new oak barrels. 3.6pH. Drinking Window 2027 - 2050

matthewjukes.com

18 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/25/2017

(65 Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 Merlot, 4 Cabernet Franc, 1 Petit Verdot) | 60% new oak | 13.5% alc. With a velvety texture and a more buoyant and silky feel than many other wine, this is a superb SHL with a very elegant aroma. The tannins are quite fierce and it will require some years to settle, but the wild berry fruit on the finish is superb and the tone throughout is remarkable. 18+

La Revue du Vin de France

18-19 / 20

the4/25/2017

Le vin affiche une grande matière avec une large dominante de cabernet sauvignon (70%), tout en profondeur de saveurs. Les tanins dessinent parfaitement la bouche encore sur sa prise de bois. La signature de Smith est apposée sur ce vin séveux.

Jancis Robinson

17,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/21/2017

Blackish crimson. Nose that manages to combine flesh and ripeness with freshness. Some restraint here and some very natural flavours. A quiet king. Great appetising wine with the ripeness of the vintage. Very classy.

Le Figaro

19 / 20

byBernard Burtschythe4/20/2017

Wine Enthusiast

96-98 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. With its dense structure, superb acidity and black currant fruits, this is a great wine from the estate owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard. A majority old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon (with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) gives the wine the concentration it needs to mature slowly. This elegant wine will be ready to drink after 2032.

Wine Spectator

95-98 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

Seductively fleshy and creamy in feel, with alluring dark plum and fig notes laced with singed bay, black tea and dark earth hints. The broad finish has the grip and cut for definition. A beautiful wine in the making.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

Wow. This is incredibly rich and exotic. Full-bodied, so deep and long. It lasts for minutes. Perfectly polished tannins evidence how texturally focused and supple this is. Decadent and enticing. From organically grown grapes. Super quality of cabernet is on show here. We will see if 2016 is better than 2015.