2017 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Rouge Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 12x75cl

Neal Martin 94

The 2017 Smith Haut Lafitte has an open and expressive bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, pressed iris petals mixed with subtle marine notes, iodine and seaweed. It is not as powerful as the 2018 but it is nicely focused. The palate is fresh on the entry with crisp tannins and vibrant black fruit. There is superb energy towards the graphite and mint infused finish. There is a lot of energy in this 2017 that actually renders it quite approachable, though I would prefer to leave bottles down in the cellar for several years.

Drinking window: 2023-2045

Review date: 01/02/2020