2011 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Robert Parker 94

The grand vin, the 2011 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is another great successes (and that’s saying something after the remarkable duo of 2009 and 2010 as well as the brilliant 2008). This wine exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, mulberries, licorice and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, nicely integrated acidity, wood and alcohol, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45 seconds, this brilliant wine should drink well for 15-20 years. One of the best run estates in Bordeaux, Smith-Haut-Lafitte’s owners, the Cathiard family, has produced a beautiful second wine in 2011. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 30/04/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034

Vinous 90

Ruby-red. Enticing perfume of blackberry, violet, aromatic herbs and minerals. Clean, fresh and lively on the palate, showing noteworthy precision to the savory dark berry and herb flavors. Finishes pure and moderately long, with less oak showing than usual for this wine. Should offer early accessibility but has the stuffing to improve over the next decade. [Ian D’Agata, 07/01/2014]