2023 Petit Smith-Haut-Lafitte Rouge (Pessac)

Structured and pretty serious Petit SHL, focusing on blue and black fuits, good structure and tension, showcases the quality of this year`s Cabernet Sauvignon, highlighting the nuance and inky character of the grape in 2023, harvest September 8 to October 5. 93 points

The 2023 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is another stellar wine from the team at Smith Haut Lafitte. It screams with Cabernet Sauvignon character. Inky dark fruit, blackberry, gravel, pencil shavings, crushed rocks, lavender and sage saturate the palate. The tannins will need time to soften. Small berries and thick skins yielded an especially serious Petit Smith Haut Lafitte that is quite impressive. 92-95 points

The 2023 Le Petit Haut Lafitte reveals fresh and dark aromas of licorice, smoke, dark wild berries and violet. Medium to full-bodied, it is more structured and serious than Les Hauts de Smith, with a layered, structured mid-palate, a fleshy core of fruit and a long, saline, chalky finish. Classically composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, it is matured in 30% new oak barrels. 90-92 points

The 2023 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has a more floral bouquet than the Les Hauts de Smith: violet-tinged black fruit, cedar and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and the 30% new oak is neatly integrated. There`s fine grip with just the right amount of bitterness on the finish to lend edge. Recommended. 91-93 points