Smith-Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan 2015

99 points James Suckling: "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. (4/12/18)"

98+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge needs a lot of swirling to begin to reveal profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums, and wild blueberries, followed by hints of Indian spices, fragrant soil, wood smoke, and tar. The full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by very firm, ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic tension, leading to epic length and depth on the finish of this stunning wine. Drink: 2024-2052. (11/17/22)"

97 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot). Packed with black cherry and damson fruit, with a smoky curl of grilled sandalwood and cloves, this continues to deliver, as it has since En Primeur, and although there are tons of tannins that will take it through decades, it has not closed down too tightly, and can be enjoyed now with a long carafe. I often say that Smith Haut Lafitte is the wine to choose if you want to be sure of making people happy, while still delivering a sense of occasion and complexity, and it comes across so well in this vintage, with its cocoa bean and cappucino creaminess, and grippy acidity with salted cracker finish. 60% new oak, Fabien Teitgen technical director. Organic and biodynamic farming. 2015 is also an important year hear, marking 650 years since the founding of Smith Haut Lafitte and 25 years of the Cathiard family’s ownership. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2023-2045. (6/13/23)"

97 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "At more than six years of age this displays a bright and enchanting perfume on the nose, with floral scents reminiscent of rose petals, violets and scented cedar, all wrapped around a core of dark fruits which comes swirled with crushed chalk. The palate which follows is beautifully composed, brimming with dark fruits which are concentrated but they still sit in complete harmony with the wine’s tense, correct and rather savoury poise. It has a broad midpalate, with good intensity, which is built upon a dry structural grip, before it simmers into a finish of ripe structure. This is a delight, and while it has been a joy to taste it at this stage it clearly has some developing to do before it hits its apogee. Hold for now. (Apr 2022)"

97 points (18.5/20)/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "Great spicy flavor on the palate, with firm but ripe tannins and a rounded finish. Plenty of substance and a beautiful stylistic effect, between fruit expression and oaky nuances. A wine that will go a long way thanks to its freshness and tension. (2019)"

96+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "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. Drink: 2018-2038. (11/30/17)"

96 points/'Highly Recommended,' Wine Spectator: "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. (3/31/18)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "This wine is 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. Drink from 2025. Alcohol 14.5%. (Apr 2018)"