2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge

Description

94  Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.” (1/2019)

92  James Suckling
“The freshness and the currant aromas are very enticing. Blackberries, too. Full-bodied, very linear and crisp. Fine tannins. 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Merlot. Better after 2021, but already very pretty.” (3/2019)

91  Jeb Dunnuck
“There are two second wines of the estate, one based on Cabernet Sauvignon and one based on Merlot. The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is the Cabernet-dominated release and is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot brought up in 20% new oak. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, finesse-driven effort offers classic notes of tobacco leaf, cigar, graphite, and assorted dark fruits as well as a touch of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and impeccably balanced, it’s going to be better with 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.” (2/2019)