Chateau Smith Haut LafitteChateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2023

This shows currant, tobacco and hazelnut aromas that follow through to a medium body with crunchy character and open-grain tannins that are velvety and so attractive. Graceful, friendly, crunchy and beautiful. The highest percentage ever of cabernet sauvignon in this wine. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2028.
James Suckling
Senior Editor

The 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte, which has more Cabernet than usual due to the mildew-affected Merlot and the quality of the Cabernet itself. It has a really lovely bouquet that makes an immediate impact: blackberry and boysenberry fruit, subtle hints of violet and cassis. Very pure and well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, perfectly pitched acidity, very harmonious and poised, with a gradual build toward the finish. This is one of the best reds that you will find in the 2023 vintage in Bordeaux — superb.
- By Neal Martin on February 2026

Cabernet dominant in terms of aromatics and weight through the palate, opening with fennel, sage, violets, peonies, squid ink, cocoa bean, espresso, with the texture softening and becoming creamier through the mid palate. The hidden depths and slow build that elevates the always-seductive character of Smith Haut-Lafitte into one of the truly exceptional wines of Bordeaux are fully on display. Wine director Fabien Teitgen on his 28th vintage at the estate - and this is the vintage where King Charles and Camilla visited the property, so it comes with a commemorative label. 26hl/h yield, harvest September 8 to October 5.