critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored. Features notes of black cherries and black raspberries with nuances of iron ore, powdered cinnamon, and red roses. The medium-bodied delivers fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness to support the bright black and red berry flavors, finishing earthy.
The 2024 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte was matured in 30% new oak. It has a cohesive bouquet with black cherry, bilberry and light wilted violet aromas, a tad more expressive than the Les Hauts de Smith. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a touch more grip due to the higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, leading to a slightly tannic, graphite-tinged finish.
Captures the restrained pleasure of the vintage, with tension and just-enough density through the palate to maintain momentum, juicy blackberry fruits laced with crayon and cocoa bean, and a punch of liquorice. Enjoyable, will age, give it three or four years. 21hl/h yield, Fabien Teitgen technical director.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the 2024 Le Petit Haut Lafitte reveals a delicate, somber character with aromas of dark berries, spices, gentian and tobacco, mingled with delicate floral notes. Medium-bodied, round and sappy, it's perfectly balanced with a juicy mid-palate framed by an assertive tannic frame and a lead pencil-inflected finish. This year, the distinction between Le Petit and Les Hauts is more clearly defined than in recent vintages.