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Tasting Notes

Tasting notes
Score 88/100 · Wine Spectator

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

Critic scores
89
89/100

Average Score

88
88/100

Wine Spectator

90
90/100

Robert Parker

More reviews and scores

90 points
Robert Parker
Score 90/100 · Robert Parker

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

Château Smith Haut Lafitte - producer
Smith Haut Lafitte

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.

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