Smith-Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan Le Petit Haut Lafitte 2019

95 points Decanter: "Restrained nose with complex aromas of blackcurrants, dark plums and tobacco. Gentle and plush, with gravelly tannins and a crisp acidity. Seriously wonderful and complex expression of a modern Bordeaux. Drink 2022-2040."

94 points James Suckling: "Spices, such as cloves and white pepper, with violets and dark fruit follow through to a full body with firm, chewy tannins and a polished yet intense finish. Open tannins. An ash-like undertone to it. Try after 2027. (2/20/22)"

92-94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a potent, brooding wine. Gravel, crushed rocks, blackberry jam, lavender, menthol and licorice infuse the 2019 with tremendous character and nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon takes the leading role, and that very much comes through in the wine's tannic profile and overall feel. This is a fabulous showing. Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a serious second wine that needs a bit of time in bottle to be at its very best. (Jun 2020)"

92-94 points Wine Enthusiast: "As one of the two second wines from this organic estate, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates this wine. It has structured black currant fruits as well as a beautiful pure line of acidity. The structure, while there, is open and integrated, meaning the wine will age well over the medium-term."

91-93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is always a more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release, and it's a more slightly closed wine that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age. Plenty of cassis, cedary herbs, tobacco, and a touch of gravelly minerality all emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with good concentration and plenty of building tannins. It will still be drinking beautifully at age 15. Drink: 2020-2035. (6/11/20)"

91-93 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "In contrast to Les Hauts de Smith, as always this is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. It has a dark and glossy core, with a broad, mulberry rim. And here on the nose the fragrance and perfume of the ripe Cabernet shines through, with blackcurrants, violet cream and pencil lead, scented and pure, but with darker undercurrents of soot suggesting grip. There follows a very correct start to the palate, fresh, pure, restrained too really, but with a rich textural substance through the middle, and a framework of rich, ripe and tightly grained structure. The Cabernet tannins on the finish along with the acidity just make my mouth water, a feature of this vintage. A lovely second wine which will certainly evolve nicely over a few years. (Jun 2020)"

92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2019 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has a lively bouquet of blackberry, briar and just a hint of espresso, classic in style and nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture and quite approachable in style (not "furry," as I found last year). It builds pleasantly toward the finish, which displays impressive density combined with elegance. A couple of years in bottle will do this fine. Drink: 2024-2037. (Feb 2022)"

92 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Closed up on the opening bars, a little more austere than the 2018 with tight tannins but opens up to show elegance and balance, and the juicy salinity on the finish that has become so characteristic of Smith Haut Lafitte across its range of wines. Drinking Window: 2023-2036. (May 2020)"

Producer notes: "60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Barrel aged 14 months in 20% new oak. Let Petit Smith Haut Lafitte red 2019 is extremely fine with silky tannins and beautiful aromas and flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied, with notes of blackcurrant, liquorice and dark chocolate. Great finesse and good structure with a lot of ageing potential."