LES HAUTS de SMITH PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2022

A terrific intro to the wines of Smith Haut Lafitte, this gets the same care and attention as the Grand Vin.

At Château Smith Haut Lafitte, everything begins with the soil. Deeply committed to respecting nature and biodiversity, the estate ensures sustainable practices both in the vineyard and the cellar. Vines are propagated from their own vineyards, thanks to a vine nursery on the protected ecosystem of Ile de Lalande, preserving the genetic diversity and complexity of the wines.

The 87-hectare estate is surrounded by forests, hedges, and beehives, creating a green island where the vines thrive. The gravel-rich soil, known as Graves Gunziennes, allows the roots to dig deep for resources, while the sun’s reflection from the stones ensures perfect ripening. This unique terroir gives the wines their extraordinary character—whites with a subtle smoky note and reds that are smooth and complex.

93/100 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2022 Vintage)
"Floral and aromatic, nicely fragrant, really inviting on the nose. Smooth and supple, agile but also quite massy and full, although this keeps a fresh, cool blue fruit flavour with crushed stones. Slightly powdery but there's juicy acidity too so you get a sense of seriousness and charm at the same time. Deep and pure with mouth coating fine tannins. Great freshness and cool minty touches the whole way through. Well built."

92/100 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (2022 Vintage)
"Steeped red currant and dark plum notes form the core, along with sleek, singed accents of alder, bay, tobacco and black tea. A tug of warm earth hangs on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2035."