Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a leading producer in Pessac-Leognan In Bordeaux. This wine is from the 1996 vintage and opened at 30 years’ of age, inviting customary trepidation. The cork is in very good condition, the entirely reliable “Durand” opener ensuring no breakage. The aroma is initially very leafy and has the slow, awkward “will it, won’t it” start typical of older Bordeaux. With time, there is joy. Leaf, tobacco and complex game characters emerge and the wine reveals that it is living and worth the wait. The palate is medium bodied. There is vigour and spice in the fruit supplemented by complex, savoury and graceful blackcurrant fruit. Drink this wonderful old Bordeaux now. Review Rating: Very Good to Outstanding (★★★★☆, 94 points). Website: Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Tasted: February 2026. Like: Subscribe.
