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Smith Haut Lafitte 2013

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Label

Tasting Notes

The 2013 Smith-Haut-Lafitte has a composed and quite refined bouquet, certainly one of the best that I have encountered on the Left Bank, with wild strawberry mixed with cedar and a touch of graphite. The palate is smooth on the entry, the oak nicely integrated, almost Pinot-like in texture with a prickle of spice on the finish. Recommended for the vintage, this constitutes a very respectable Pessac-Léognan from the Cathiard family in what was a difficult vintage.

90
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com (227), October 2016

The Cathiard family has fashioned a medium-bodied, light-styled 2013 Smith Haut Lafitte exhibiting a medium dark ruby color, attractive red and black currant fruit, a hint of graphite, and a one-dimensional mouthfeel. If it puts on weight and depth, it may merit a higher score. Based on this estate's perfect wines in 2009, 2010 and great 2008, the so-so 2013 is somewhat disappointing. It should drink well for 6-10 years.

86/88
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (214), August 2014

This is very, very fresh with a bright berry and currant character. Medium to full body, with fine tannins. Very pretty finish. Subtle and delicate. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, and a touch of cabernet franc and petit verdot.

91/92
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2014
92
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2014

The 2013 Smith Haut Lafitte is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is bestowed with a fragrant bouquet, floral and quasi-Margaux in style, with a hint of seaweed developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and lifted acidity. It feels a little pinched towards the finish at the moment, although that will soften by the time of bottling. This is a more classic Smith Haut Lafitte, but there is nothing wrong with that. Tasted April 2014.

90/92
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, April 2014
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.