‘Powerful black fruits nose; the palate is broad and generous, with splendid concentration. Tannic but not too extracted; power without caricature. Joyous, with very good length.’
Stephen Brook, Decanter Bordeaux 2017

‘The currants and blackberries on the nose are very impressive with wet-earth and lavender undertones. Full body and super-integrated tannins that melt into the wine. The quality of the tannins is incredible with fantastic length and mouthfeel. So much concentration and balance at the same time. Such beauty. From biodynamic grapes. This is the greatest wine ever from here. Drink in 2022.’
99/100 James Suckling, October 2019

‘This vintage is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, matured in 65% new oak barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple, the 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte has a totally dazzling nose of exotic spices—star anise, fenugreek and Sichuan pepper—over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries, plum preserves, violets and earthy wafts of truffles, moss, tilled black soil and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced and packing a lot of flavor into a relatively modest package, it fills the mouth with spice and herb-laced black and blue fruit layers, supported by very ripe, very finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. This is already a show-stopping, heart-pounding beauty, but should also age incredibly!’
97/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2018

‘Smith Haut-Lafite sits on free-draining, günz gravel, with the 2015 showing classic smoky, earthy Graves character with herbs, spices and freshness on the palate. On the intense nose, floral notes and subtle new oak support the fruit. Although there is a silky, intense and concentrated core to the fruit, this is not at all showy - just a wonderfully balanced and complete example of Cru Classé Pessac-Leognan.’
96/100 Decanter, December 2019

‘ Another wine from the Cathiard family I was able to taste on multiple occasions is the 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte, and it’s brilliant stuff readers should snatch up. Offering a huge nose of chocolatey dark fruits, roasted herbs, graphite and flowers, this big, rich, opulent beauty has building tannin, loads of structure and great mid-palate. It will drink nicely for 20+ years.’
96+/100 Jeb Dunnuck, November 2017

‘…dense in expressive, dark fruit and solid tannins which give it a rich, enveloping feel. With its spicy score and crisp acidity, there is great potential for aging. ’
96/100 Cellar Selection, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast April 2018

‘This pumps out some serious blackberry, boysenberry, raspberry and black currant fruit flavors, with the texture of compote and a racy edge thanks to a terrific bolt of graphite that runs throughout. Waves of anise, roasted apple wood and tobacco drive the finish, with the fruit keeping pace easily. Destined for a long life. Best from 2025 through 2045.’
96/100 Highly Recommended, Wine Spectator March 2018

Pessac-Léognan is a subregion of Bordeaux that was carved out of the Graves in 1987. Its terroir points to its historical origins as part of the Graves, with the dominant soil type being the gravel (and sand) which gave Graves its name. The northern vineyards of the appellation coexist with the southern suburbs of Bordeaux city, while the southern vineyards are enclosed by the forests which produce the other main export of Graves: timber.