2001 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Rouge Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan

Open, accessible and already delivering its ample charms, lots of smoke, tobacco, coffee, blackberry, earth, vanilla and black raspberry flavors mesh perfectly with the wine's soft, supple textures. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc should age and improve for at least another 10-15 years. Aug 2012

Kudos to the Cathiard family, who acquired this once under-performing estate in 1990. They have spared no expense or effort in producing wines (both red and white) that are among the finest in Bordeaux in virtually every vintage. The 2001 red may not have as much power as the 2000, but it is very close in quality. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 13% Cabernet Franc, it was macerated for four weeks, enjoyed malolactic in barrel as well as stirring of the lees, and was bottled with minimal clarification. This elegant, stylish, deep ruby/purple-colored effort reveals notes of smoke, graphite, and red as well as black fruits in its perfumed, nicely evolved bouquet. With sweet flavors, medium body, outstanding concentration, and impressive purity, this finely-etched Pessac-Leognan should hit its peak in 4-5 years, and drink well over the following 12-14+.

This is quite alive, with a very fresh, almost brisk edge to the mix of red currant, damson plum and raspberry fruit. Lovely tobacco, bay leaf and iron notes drive the finish, stretching this out. Shows a flash of peppery game at the very end.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2025. JM

Tasted at the chateau. The 2001 does not quite have the definition and concentration of the 2000 as one might expect. A little rounded perhaps, svelte with tobacco tinged black fruits and tar, though it could do with a little more poise. The palate is medium-bodied, very polished, supple with rounded tannins, mulberry, smoke, cigar box, damson with black pepper coming through on the foursquare but more precise finish. The finish is better than the beginning and it improves in the glass. Persistent finish though – this 2001 does not want to let go. Drink 2010-2025. Tasted September 2008.

Saturated medium ruby. Highly aromatic nose of dark berries, leather, tar, tobacco and violet. Suave and fine-grained, with lovely concentration and pliant texture. The violet and tobacco notes carry through in the mouth. In a distinctly gentler style than the 2002, finishing with smooth, fine tannins and subtle persistence. May 2004

(a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot and 10% cabernet franc; not yet racked) Full medium ruby. Fresh plum, currant, tobacco, tar and licorice on the nose. Primary, fresh and intense, with sharply focused red and black fruit flavors. A lovely combination of cabernet fruit and merlot licorice; very ripe without being at all heavy. Sweet and dense but not at all overextracted. Finishes long and subtle.

Magnum bought at the château by Tony Stebbings that is in absolutely great nick. Minerally rich with a dry finish. Transparent and sweet, its only flaw is a slightly sudden finish. And it may not have the stuffing for the very long haul. JR June 2015