Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2022

Commentaire

Commentaire

Having tasted numerous vintages of SHL, never before have I encountered such an all-encompassing vintage, where every drop seems saturated with the world’s most exquisite fragrances. Ordinarily, I’m immediately captivated by SHL’s impressive allure, yet in 2022, my first impression is of a tantalizing purple lily, epitomizing the image of the “elegance born from fiery trials”. The tannins, soft and delicate, coat the mellow berries, subtly revealing whispers of graphite, pine cone, and licorice. Fabien’s winemaking experience in California is unmistakably beneficial to SHL 2022, instilling in me an unwavering confidence for the future of Bordeaux amidst rising temperatures.

Commentaire

Couleur noire, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, fin, nuances de fruits noirs, mûr, pur, subtil et noble. Ouh là, là ! Le gras, le toucher noble, la présence huileuse, le fruit noir et juste après le milieu, une finale qui monte encore, se parfume, se raffermit et vient finir grasse, complexe et profonde. Un arôme de noisette parcourt ce vin et le rapproche tellement d'un grand vin blanc. Bravo ! Assemblage : 64 % cabernet sauvignon, 32 % merlot, 3 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot.

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The polish, texture, complexity and patina are very impressive and fascinating. So spicy and interesting with so much going on. Medium body with wonderfully integrated tannins that are cut and nicely chiselled already. Lemon and violet. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Commentaire

Commentaire

A real success of the vintage that manages to deliver a bold, structured, concentrated and powerful wine with real terroir signature. You get the impression it’s from a warm vintage, but I love the fact you have texture, volume and weight but keeping the finesse. Fragranced black fruit and purple floral notes with soft medicinal herbal touches on the nose. Sleek and supple, tannins make the impression with juicy blackcurrants, black cherries and strawberries. Excellent tannin definition, they’re filling, massy and round, almost plush but accented by acidity and freshness. Strong signature, you know you're in gravel with Cabernet. Juicy, clean, pure, but with bite and intensity. I love the dark savoury notes too, the cough syrup, liquorice, clove, tobacco and cigar box elements, complex and captivating. 4% press. 3.65pH 30% whole bunch Petit Verdot in the blend. Potential upsore in bottle. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak barrels;

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64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot Le bouquet de SHL 2022 annonce du charme, de la fraîcheur et de l’harmonie ! Ainsi il révèle d’invitantes notes de baies noires et d’épices douces, puis une rafraîchissante touche de menthe et réglisse. Friand en attaque, le vin est doté de tannins aux grains fins qui offrent non seulement de l’ampleur mais qui sont de paire avec la tension de la structure acide. C’est en fin de bouche que le vin a un évident focus sur la puissance avec une touche énergisante qui plébiscite la finale et son intensité aromatique. De fins amers et une légère salinité dynamisent la fin de bouche et assurent non seulement la vigueur et la fraîcheur, mais également l’avenir. 2028-2047.

Commentaire

Commentaire

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. This represents just a third of the estate’s output; Florence Cathiard is extremely keen to increase this proportion. Mainly Merlot and a tiny proportion of Petit Verdot stems went into the fermentation vat for freshness. They will probably bottle this in June as usual but may keep it in barrel a bit longer for texture. Cask sample. Dark, glossy blackish purple. Glossy, glamorous impression on the nose. Very juicy and extremely sweet. Very flattering with masses of fruit almost covering the very ripe tannins. This should be drinkable very early but should also last well. Notably long. Velvety texture but with the freshness of Graves. Lovely wine.

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The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte opens in the glass with attractive aromas of cassis, spices, tobacco, graphite and licorice, followed by a medium to fullbodied palate that is deep and layered, with good depth and powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the finish. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot will require some patience, given its somewhat extracted style. Yohan Castaing.