There is no doubt that Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan is currently one of the top performing châteaux in Bordeaux. Their 2016 red wine scored 98 points in The Wine Advocate, but will not be ready to drink until it is 10 years old and costs around £900 per dozen.
At just £240 per dozen this property also produces a forward and plump second label called Les Hauts de Smith which is made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 is exclusive to Farr Vintners in the UK and has just arrived in our cellars. If you are quick you can grab it in the full range of bottle sizes – bottles, halves, magnums, double magnums and imperials. The extra Merlot in its blend adds "tons of early accessibility and sheer appeal" according to Antonio Galloni, who awards it 92 points.
The critics are universal in their praise for this inviting, open-knit wine, with notes that focus on its early appeal and generous style. Neal Martin describes is as "very fine" and gives it 90 points, while Jane Anson of Decanter scores it 91 and calls it "fleshy and easy to love".
We have imported Les Hauts de Smith for many years and are convinced that the 2016 is the best vintage here since the 2010. This is a wine to drink now or at any time over the next 10 years. It offers terrific value for money at £20 per bottle in bond.
Minimum Order – one case
This wine is in stock and available for immediate delivery
 |
Region | Vintage | Wine | Size | Cs | Bts | Price |
Per | Score | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bordeaux | 2016 | Les Hauts de Smith UK Sales Only | BT | 148 | 0 | 240.00 | 12 | 1776 | 26.666666666667 | 90.00 | 90.00 | Hauts de Smith Rouge | 0.75 | ||
| Bordeaux | 2016 | Les Hauts de Smith UK Sales Only | HV | 69 | 0 | 250.00 | 24 | 1656 | 27.777776 | 90.00 | 90.00 | Hauts de Smith Rouge | 0.375 | ||
| Bordeaux | 2016 | Les Hauts de Smith UK Sales Only | MG | 28 | 0 | 250.00 | 6 | 168 | 27.777778 | 90.00 | 90.00 | Hauts de Smith Rouge | 1.5 | ||
| Bordeaux | 2016 | Les Hauts de Smith UK Sales Only | DM | - | 24 | 120.00 | bt | 24 | 40 | 90.00 | 90.00 | Hauts de Smith Rouge | 3 | ||
| Bordeaux | 2016 | Les Hauts de Smith UK Sales Only | IM | - | 8 | 220.00 | bt | 8 | 36.666666666667 | 90.00 | 90.00 | Hauts de Smith Rouge | 6 | ||
| Wines are offered subject to remaining unsold. E&OE. | ||||||||||||||||
The 2016 Les Hauts de Smith is pliant, racy and inviting. This Merlot-based wine offers tons of early accessibility and sheer appeal. Super-ripe red cherry, raspberry, mint, rose petal and dried flowers add grace throughout. A range of striking floral/savory Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics add complexity, while the Merlot is felt in the wine's fleshiness.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, 2019
The 2016 Les Hauts de Smith is pliant, racy and inviting. This Merlot-based wine offers tons of early accessibility and sheer appeal. Super-ripe red cherry, raspberry, mint, rose petal and dried flowers add grace throughout. A range of striking floral/savory Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics add complexity, while the Merlot is felt in the wine's fleshiness.
90 points, Neal Martin, Vinous.com, 2019
Majority Merlot (with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon), with a gourmet edge of blackberry fruits, chocolate and caramel hints. This is a vintage that really suits Merlot and so suits the style of Merlot dominant Les Hauts de Smith. Soft tannins that are fleshy and easy to love. Aged in 20% new oak. Drink 2020-2028.
91 points, Jane Anson, Decanter.com, 2019
Les Hauts de Smith is created during the blending process of Smith Haut Lafitte. It is vinified just like the grand vin and is aged in wood for 15 months with 20% new oak - in barrels made by the Chateau's own cooper. The blend has slightly more Merlot in it than Cabernet Sauvignon which makes it more approachable in its youth than Petit Haut Lafitte (which has a higher percentage of Cabernet). The 2016 vintage has a seductive nose of ripe red and black fruits with a hint of spice and vanilla. This is really smooth on the palate with lovely flesh from the Merlot and a touch of grip and bite from the Cabernet. The overall mouthfeel is one of balance and harmony with a cashmere-like texture and polished tannins. This wine is a delightful introduction to Smith Haut Lafitte at a very modest price. It is perfect to drink now but will age well for 5-10 years. It is certainly the best vintage of this wine that we've tasted since the 2010. Exclusive to Farr Vintners in the UK and highly recommended.
16+ points, Farr Vintners, 2021
