Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2022 (Magnum)

Wineadvocate

The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte opens in the glass with attractive aromas of cassis, spices, tobacco, graphite and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that is deep and layered, with good depth and powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the finish. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot will require some patience, given its somewhat extracted style. - YC 04/2023

Vinous

The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte was cropped at 29hL/ha between 5 and 30 September, undergoing half the extraction, aged in 60% new oak for a planned 18 months. It is fragrant and very pure on the nose: beautiful blackberry, raspberry and liquorice. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, very elegant and focused, fine-boned with an exceptionally pure and caressing tobacco-tinged finish. This is going to grow to be a wonderful, delicious Smith Haut Lafitte. 14.5% alcohol. - NM 04/2023

Beck

Le bouquet de SHL 2022 annonce du charme, de la fraîcheur et de l'harmonie ! Ainsi il révèle des d'invitantes notes de baies noires et d'épices douces, puis une rafraîchissante touche de menthe et réglisse. Friand en attaque, le vin est doté de tannins aux grains fins qui offrent non seulement de l'ampleur mais qui sont de paire avec la tension de la structure acide. C'est en fin de bouche que le vin a un évident focus sur la puissance avec une touche énergisante qui pousse littéralement la finale et l'aromatique lui est attachée. De fins amers et une légère salinité dynamisent la fin de bouche et assurent non seulement la vigueur et la fraîcheur, mais également l'avenir. - 04/2023

Suckling

polish, texture, complexity and patina are very impressive and fascinating. So spicy and interesting with so much going on. Medium body with wonderfully integrated tannins that are cut and nicely chiselled already. Lemon and violet. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. - 04/2023

Dunnuck

Moving to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. This ripe, powerful, concentrated wine reminds me of the 2010 with its structure, concentrated mid-palate, and just sheer density and regal, full-bodied style on the palate. Despite its size, it stays balanced, has a beautiful perfume of sweet black fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and spring flowers, building tannins, and a great, great finish. - 05/2023