2022, Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, PESSAC-LEOGNAN

Beautiful nose, blackcurrant, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, tobacco, cherries, crushed stones, blue fruit and bramble fruits. Sleek and straight, nice acidity, but this is quite linear with the Cabernet really giving the backbone, length and overall structure. Feels a bit tense, but it does have texture too so it’s not austere or harsh, just strong. Really well built, delivering power no doubt, but keeping a soft juiciness underneath. Very medicinal - clove, liquorice, unmistakable Cabernet speaking here, but feels clean and well worked. Nothing sticking out too much with body, plushness and cool freshness. Good potential, really impressively constructed. 94, Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Cabernet dominant in its character, with intensity and black pepper spice, edges of eucalyptus and mint, showing tannic grip and power than makes it a real entry into the 1st wine, and very different in character from Les Hauts de Smith in the vintage. Fabien Teitgen technical director. 93, Jane Anson.

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the 2022 Le Petit Haut Lafitte possesses a delicate yet perfumed bouquet of cassis, plum, blueberry, dark berries and hints of flowers (violet and lilac). It’s medium-bodied, fleshy, lively and charming, with an elegant yet fresh finish. 90-92 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate.