CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE have released their wines. The grand vin is out at £467.50 per 6 bottles IB. This was a really classy wine with an intense core of outstanding Cabernet fruit. There’s gorgeous texture and lovely length here too – it’s a supremely well made Pessac. Neal Martin gave it 96-98/100 and called it ‘a cerebral 2016‘. He added, ‘the château’s own tasting note reads “What more could one possibly want from a wine?” The answer to that is: “Another bottle.”‘ If you missed the excellent value 2016 CHÂTEAU LE THIL which also falls under the umbrella of this estate (same ownership and management), it is well worth a look at £210 per 12 bottles IB.
The SMITH HAUT LAFITTE BLANC has been released at £437.50 per 6 bottles IB. This was one of the standouts in what was quite a tricky vintage for white wine. There’s a touch of fat to the pure citrus fruit but it’s all kept in check by some lovely acidity and a really satisfying lick of spice on the long finish. Tim Atkin gave it 96/100 and said, ‘year in year out, this is close to the top of any line-up of white Bordeaux.’ Bernard Burtschy called it ‘particularly majestic’.
BEAUREGARD is also out at £282 per 6 bottles IB. Neal Martin gave this 91-93/100 and described it as ‘the best Beauregard that I have tasted.’ Jane Anson rated it 92/100 and called it ‘a sexy, polished wine that delivers on the vintage.’ It’s possibly worth looking back to 2016 CLOS DU CLOCHER which is £120 a dozen cheaper and 93-95 from Neal Martin.
As ever you can keep up to date with everything #Bdx16 on our Recent Releases page.