Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2025 is a striking expression of Pessac-Léognan, combining remarkable purity, freshness, and precision. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, it reveals vibrant layers of blackcurrant, mint, violet, chocolate, and subtle spice, framed by fine velvety tannins and a distinctive mineral character. Grown on the estate’s renowned Günzian gravel plateau, the 2025 vintage offers a more refined and lifted interpretation of Smith Haut Lafitte, with exceptional clarity, chalky freshness, and impressive length. Aged in 50% new oak, it balances depth and elegance while showcasing a pure Cabernet-driven profile.

James Suckling | JS 97-98
Published: Apr 30, 2026

So aromatic and expressive, with pure currants and mint, plus some chocolate. Fennel too. Wow. Medium- to full-bodied with very deep fruit, fine, velvety tannins and a long, fine texture. The precision and depth are impressive. More fruit-driven than usual. It grows on the palate and is compact at the end. Very cabernet in the end. Almost like St.-Julien and Pauillac in nature. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Decanter | D 97
Published: Apr 1, 2026
Drink: 2032-2048

Beautifully crisp and clear aromas, dark fruit, precise and expressive. Smokey violets and ripe blackcurrants with white chocolate. Fresh and vivid, this is vibrant and so clear but still with a round and filling texture. Maybe a more delicate take from Smith with the minerality much more present than in some vintages but there’s excellent length, hints of spice and bitterness as well as a lifted finish. Very gravelly, salty, chalky and cool. Balanced, elegant and totally delicious. Not as Smith as some, less dense and fleshy, but there’s no denying this is approachable. A little less smooth and velvety, this is more crunchy, chalky and grippy than usual but no less compelling. 3.6pH. A yield of 28hl/ha. Began the red harvest from the 3 September to the end. Ageing 50% new oak. 1% of Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Sweetness: Dry
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 4% Cabernet Franc 68% Cabernet Sauvignon 27% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP ?
Published: Apr 30, 2026

Fabien Teitgen and Tracey Dobbin have indicated that they would prefer I not taste the 2025 vintage, noting that my recent assessments diverge from those of several other critics and that, in the current market context, published scores can have an immediate impact on both perception and commercial positioning. In light of this, I will refrain from tasting the 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte for publication. I remain, of course, available to taste the wines, and readers who wish to form their own judgment can refer to my recent reviews.

Smith-haut-lafitte.com

The vines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte are planted in a single block on a Günz gravel plateau in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, producing six different wines.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves Great Growth in both red and white, and our two second wines Les Hauts de Smith and Le Petit Haut Lafitte, also in red and white. Each has its own unique blend and distinctive aromatic profile.

Please read the full En Primeur terms & conditions.