2020 Les Hauts de Smith, Pessac-Léognan

“Floral scents, chocolate, Turkish Delight and raspberries - smells lovely. Clean and clear, a lovely tangy intensity on the first sip, excellent acidity gives the life and energy straight away then it becomes slightly strict, an element of the frame restricting some of the fruit, but there's gorgeous clarity here - a clean, chalky salinity with wet stones, liquorice and graphite alongside bitter black chocolate that is so appealing. Refined, straight, polished and easy. A gourmet wine, approachable and yet still sophisticated. Ageing 14 months, 15-20% new oak.” (01/2023)

“A fine and crisp young red with lots of redcurrants, mulberries, and orange peel. Medium body. Very fine tannins. Lively and delicious already.” (03/2023)

“The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, is plump, juicy and quite forward. Succulent red cherry, cedar, cinnamon and dried flowers are front and center. Bright acids play off the ripe, racy fruit very nicely. Plush tannins wrap it all together in style. (” (02/2023)

“The Merlot-dominated 2020 Les Hauts De Smith (there's 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a beauty offering classic Graves-like aromas of gravelly earth, smoked tobacco, and woodsmoke as well as plenty of ripe, perfumed red and black fruits. This medium to full-bodied, plush, sexy Pessac-Léognan is perfect for drinking over the coming decade.” (03/2023)