Smith Haut Lafitte 2006

Full red-ruby. Expressive nose offers plum, black raspberry, tobacco, mocha, truffle, licorice and herbs. Suave, fine-grained and vibrant; generous and plush yet light on its feet. Finishes very long and classy, with sweet tannins, terrific energy and palate-coating persistence and perfume. Not as fat or full as the 2005, but just a step behind that wine.

The brilliant succession of red and white wines that has emerged from Smith-Haut-Lafitte since the early 1990s is attributable to the passion and hard work of perfectionist proprietors Florence and Daniel Cathiard. The beautiful 2006 exhibits aromas and flavors of earth, graphite, sweet cassis, cherries, smoke, and spice. Medium-bodied with admirable concentration, soft tannin, and impressive purity, texture, and length, this powerful wine is built on an elegant framework. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.

An attractive nose of blackberry, sloes and damson with great definition and lift. The palate if full-bodied and has resemblances to Pape-Clément its extravagance. Spicy black fruit, just a touch of earthiness with soft, approachable tannins. It builds nicely in the mouth, very harmonious with a touch of espresso on the finish. Very fine. Great potential.

Medium red-ruby. Subdued but lively aromas of black cherry, mocha, tobacco and nutty oak. The palate begins with a restrained sweetness to the flavors of currant, raspberry and hot rocks but gains expressiveness with aeration, with nicely integrated acidity contributing definition. Builds impressively on the back end, which features substantial broad, dusty tannins.