James-Suckling 97
Wonderful depth of fruit here with blackberries, wet earth, mushrooms, dark chocolate and violets. Full-bodied, tight and poised with polished and compressed tannins. Consistent finish. Linear and focused. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.
97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, December 2022
The red 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It bursts with bold notes of crushed blackberries, black cherry preserves, and warm cassis, plus hints of Indian spices, mossy tree bark, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impressive concentration, framed by firm, grainy tannins and fantastically balanced freshness, finishing long and minerally.