2020 Petit Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge (Pessac)

Supple velvety tannins set the scene here, adding depth and texture to the cassis and bilberry fruits, lovely edge of sage, orange peel and cocoa powder. More serious than Les Hauts de Smith, this has clear ageing capacity. 30% new oak. An upscore from En Primeur. 94 points

The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has held on to its Pomerol-like bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, chalk and light sous-bois scents. Nicely focused. The palate is well balanced with quite firm, edgy tannins, touches of licorice infusing the black fruit, a little austere towards the finish though with adequate freshness. Fine. 89 points

The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine`s flavor profile and overall structure. There`s terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character. 94 points