2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Community Tasting Note
Lipsman wrote:
96 Points
Saturday, November 4, 2023 - Well made, all elements in balance with ripe tannins giving it body. Dark fruits, cedar, and tannins are prominent today. Tastes like a classic California Cabernet from the 80s which I find exceptionally promising. The wine was very young and not as lush as last tasted in 2020… until magic happened after three hours in the decanter. This wine is fantastic! Terrific potential. It lives up to the initial reviews. Try again in 2031, but if you have a few bottles why not throw a steak on the grill and pull a cork?
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7 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (6,714 views)
7 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (6,714 views)
Comment posted by Mark1npt:
11/4/2023 6:31:00 PM - Great note, ty!
Comment posted by Lipsman:
11/4/2023 6:40:00 PM - This should be a great glass of wine when it hits its stride. It’s really good. For me that’s some point in the 15-25 year range. 🍷
Comment posted by anthroman:
11/4/2023 6:59:00 PM - Somehow I knew Mark would chime in on this! :-D Thanks for checking in on this. I may wait on the 16 till 2031 but might try the 15 this fall since I have a full case.
Comment posted by Mark1npt:
11/4/2023 7:01:00 PM - Lol......this one intrigues me! The Cali person inside wants to drink it now....the Bdx Mark wants to wait til I'm on my deathbed, then ask the nurse to start dripping it into the IV........
Comment posted by Lipsman:
11/4/2023 7:31:00 PM - We just finished dinner. This wine needed three hours to open up. It is still big, but became smooth and lush. Still the California edge shines through. Had it with a grilled NY steak. This is well worth opening a bottle now. I’m going to update my note. Cheers!
Comment posted by Mark1npt:
11/4/2023 7:34:00 PM - Awesome, dude!
Comment posted by anthroman:
11/4/2023 7:53:00 PM - Nice! I'm resolved to try the 2015 over the next few weeks. I suspect these will all be good agers, but I'm trying to embrace the "no harm trying one young" mantra these days...
Comment posted by Mark1npt:
11/5/2023 5:52:00 AM - Attaboy, anthroman!