Château Smith Haut Lafitte Les Hauts de Smith Red 2018

Smoothly textured with a line of citrus and apple flavors, this wine (one of two second white wines at the estate) has subtle wood-aging flavors that support the fruits and give richness and pleasure. The wine will benefit from a little further aging, so drink from 2022. Organic and biodynamic.

A violet note infuses waves of blackberry and plum paste, while licorice, sweet bay leaf and mesquite fill in throughout. The nicely focused finish has a subtle tug of leather. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2032. 9,165 cases made.

The 2018 Les Hauts de Smith is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 20% new barriques. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass with expressive scents of Morello cherries, mulberries and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of underbrush and cinnamon toast. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy red and black fruits, supported by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a perfumed lift. Yum!