93pts Vinous

The 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a seriously impressive wine. A burst of sweet dark fruit, kirsch, lavender, sweet spice and leather makes a strong first impression. Charming and engaging, the 2021 offers tons of Cabernet Sauvignon character and a kiss of new French oak that works so well here. Impeccable.

92pts James Suckling

This has very pretty cabernet aromas of blackcurrants and iodine with cloves, stone and just a hint of fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with a firmness and freshness on the palate, leading to a linear and racy finish with plenty of energy. Crunchy. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. From organically grown grapes.

92pts Decanter

Dark chocolate, licorice and slate with pretty notes of rose and violet that softly edge the nose. The raspberry, strawberry and blueberry fruit has a touch of sharpness, though I love the edges of chalk and slate minerality that give it real direction and linearity with little movement up or down as the flavors travel across the palate. All the elements are well delivered, elegant and really in focus. This has excellent attention to detail and lots going on.

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is showing well today, evoking aromas of spices, pencil lead and dark berries. Medium-bodied, elegant and round, it’s elegantly tense with powdery tannins, concluding with a charming, fresh finish. It's a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot that matured in 30% new oak barrels.

91pts Jeb Dunnuck

More Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and it's another medium-bodied, pretty, elegant, impressive wine from this team. Cassis, redcurrants, tobacco leaf, and a hint of leather all shine here, and it's focused and nicely structured on the palate, with fine tannins and a great finish. Where the Les Hauts de Smith is up-front and ready to go, this is going to benefit from at least 2-3 years in the cellar.

Winemaker Notes

Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte red 2021 is extremely fine with silky tannins and beautiful aromas and flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied, with notes of blackcurrant, licorice and dark chocolate. A great finesse and a good structure.
Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot