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. 91-93 points

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. Excellen t . N.B. This does not include the full vin de presse. 92-94 points

Beautiful garnet hue. Clean, refine and fragrant nose of fruit. Dense and fruity palate laced with rather extracted tannins but still showing plenty of taste. Powerful, if moderately fragrant palate. Average length. We`ll know more after the elevage. 88-89 points

Surprisingly perhaps, this was year in which the red from this stylish property outshone the white. This is quite forward for a 2011, with supple, well-managed tannins, flavours of fruitcake, chocolate and cassis, fine grained tannins and plenty of texture. Like the 2004, this subtle wine will age well. 10+ years. 94 points