Critical Acclaim
100 points – Jeb Dunnuck
99 points – James Suckling
"Sports a dense purple hue to go with incredible aromatics of blackberries, blueberries, scorched earth, wood smoke, and acacia flowers. One of the most concentrated, rich, and sexy wines in the vintage, this massive and extraordinarily opulent 2020 shows the vintage's pure, elegant profile yet backs it up with sensational levels of fruit and texture. Will evolve for 40-50 years. Not enough can be said about the quality of these wines. Bravo to Florence and Daniel Cathiard, as well as to director Fabien Teitgen, for another incredible achievement." —Jeb Dunnuck
"Extremely fresh and deep in the nose with raspberry and blackcurrant character, as well as stone, fresh green tobacco and ink. Full-bodied with a dense center palate and gorgeous fine yet steely tannins. It calms down at the end with berries, citrus and some lavender. Salty at the end. Very minerally. Flinty." —James Suckling
Château Smith Haut Lafitte has stood on the gravelly plateau of Pessac-Léognan since the 14th century, taking its modern name from Scottish wine merchant George Smith, who recognized the site's remarkable potential in the 18th century. Since acquiring the estate in 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard have restored it to the front rank of Bordeaux through meticulous vineyard work, organic farming, an on-site cooperage, and an uncompromising focus on quality. The estate's Grand Vin comes from a single block of deep Günz gravel soils that produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot of striking depth and freshness.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2020 has earned widespread acclaim from leading critics (100 points Jeb Dunnuck, 99 points James Suckling), with many placing it among the finest wines of the celebrated 2020 Bordeaux vintage. Built around Cabernet Sauvignon, it combines concentrated black currant and plum fruit with notes of graphite, licorice, violets, spice, and warm earth, all carried by refined tannins and vibrant energy. The wine's balance comes from a growing season that delivered exceptional ripeness while preserving freshness, allowing the estate's distinctive gravel terroir to shine.
This 2020 is still at the beginning of a long life, with the structure to reward decades of careful cellaring while promising extraordinary complexity as it matures. This is a benchmark vintage from one of Bordeaux's most respected estates, and mature bottles are unlikely to become easier to find with time. Order now!
Was: $253.99
Now: $194.99
