In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Petit Haut Lafitte Petit Haut Lafitte (2nd wine of Smith Haut Lafitte), Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Second wine • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 94/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2023–2040. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
James Suckling (JS) — 93–94/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 26/04/2021
This is a tight, more tannic Petit with a medium to full body and linear, racy phenolics. Blackberries, blueberries and some pine needles and stones. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 90–92/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 23/05/2021
The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte checks in as a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Blueberries, black cherries, tobacco, and earthy notes all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate and dense, with plenty of richness and building tannins. This is another seriously delicious, satisfying Pessac-L'ognan that does everything right.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94/100 · Vinous, 23/02/2023 · Drink 2025-2035
The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall structure. There's terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character.