91-94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte is raw and not fully formed. Today the tannins are imposing. There's good energy and depth in the glass, but the 2024 is very backward. Floral and spice notes emerge with air, but for the time being, Smith Haut Lafitte is a bit of a mystery. 04/2025

92-94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked from September 18 to October 9 and matured in 60% new oak. It has an understated bouquet that I appreciate, with scents of blackberry, raspberry, light rose petal and India ink that gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, extremely well balanced and very refined, with a linear and correct finish. This is a classy Smith Haut Lafitte that will provide up to 20 years of drinking pleasure. 04/2025

90-92

Yohan Castaing

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Notes of spices, oak, dark berries and gentian preface the 2024 Smith Haut Lafitte, a medium-bodied, firm and structured wine with an assertive tannic frame that leads to a compact, gentian-inflected finish. This blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 60% new oak, is somewhat introverted and linear, making it a chewy Smith Haut Lafitte that will need time to unwind. 04/2025

93-95

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2024 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 18 and October 9. Resting in 60% new barrels, it's a deep purple-hued wine with classic aromas of dark currants, smoky tobacco, graphite, and spicy, wood-driven nuances. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan with ripe, velvety tannins, a dense mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's one of the few 2024s that will benefit from bottle age. 05/2025

95

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur rouge sombre, intense, aux reflets pourpres. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité, subtil et complexe. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, avec un gras fin qui parcourt le palais, le vin caresse, puis monte en finale, long et complexe. Ensemble délicieux et surtout déjà incrachable. Assemblage : 67 % cabernet sauvignon, 27 % merlot, 5 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot. Degré d'alcool : 13° - pH : 3,6. Rendement : 22 hl/ha. Production : 80 000 bouteilles. 04/2025

96-97

Zekun Shuai

James Suckling

A fresh, complex and deep nose of spiced blue fruit, waxberries, blue flowers, minerals, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied and really fine-grained, with tight, chalky tannins and a long, structured finish. Very juicy and complete, with excellent fruit definition and an al dente texture. More reactive tannins this year. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. 04/2025