June 11, 2023 - I thought it would be on the decline...actually, not at all ! The colour is still on he dark red side, nose is discreet but confirms that we are in presence ofa "noble" wine.
On the palate, what comes first are the soft tanins, then a slight smoky final.
Overall, a very nice balance.
Drinkable up to 2025, showing that for a "second wine" it has been vinified
September 2, 2022 - This was probably at its peak about two years ago, but it's still pretty damn good. Mature Bordeaux with soft tannins and medium to long finish.
August 28, 2022 - Lovely mature Bordeaux. Fruit fading, replaced by soft tannins and pencil shavings. Drinking well now and should age for another decade.
September 6, 2021 - Needs to be open for at least 30 minutes - hour is better. This bottle was rough around the edges - bitter on the aftertaste. Overall - hanging in there.
January 21, 2020 - This wine still requires at least an hour to open. Any sip earlier (even via vinturi) smells unappealingly vegetal and tastes acidic. But after that hour, oh my, what a luscious and lovely Graves, with all the notes one could ask for.
December 11, 2019 - Better - younger & fresher, with more fruit and better balance - than the last bottle I opened in early 1998. Based on this one I would say the 2005 Hauts de Smith is at its peak now and very nice indeed. Ready to drink upon opening. Fresh and rewarding on its own.
April 20, 2019 - Surprisingly well built for a "second" wine. I think this wine could go a few years longer in the cellar. Paired beautifully with grilled beef tenderloin.
January 14, 2018 - Graphite and fruity olives. Less tannic than last bottle. Balanced with smooth finish
January 9, 2018 - Decent typical Bordeaux. Slightly hard tannins and acid at 13 years. Decent fruit and balance. Moderate complexity. I don't expect it to improve much with further age. Good with a variety of foods and decent to sip although not exactly a sipping wine. Good for a dinner party with a range of rich foods as long as you don't expect something exotic.
November 23, 2017 - Soooo lovely. Lots if fruit still, but tannins smoothed out. Decanted for an hour first.