1996 Smith Haut Lafitte
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Tasting Notes
Subtle and fruity with blackberry, floral and cedar undertones. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a cedar, mushroom, light coffee and fruit aftertaste.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2007
Critic Scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1996 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is the quintessentially elegant Bordeaux. With a dark ruby/purple color, it displays a beautiful presentation of blackberry and cassis fruit nicely dosed with subtle new oak. On the attack, the wine is sweet and pure, with striking symmetry, and a compellingly balanced mid-palate and finish. Although not as big as some blockbusters from this vintage, it is extremely complex (both aromatically and flavor-wise), and impressive for its restraint, subtlety, and impeccable balance. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016. Apr 1999, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan today – all thanks to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who took over the property in 1990 and have since transformed the estate, converting to biodynamics and crafting wines of increasing finesse.