As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith-Haut-Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith-Haut-Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

The style of Smith-Haut-Lafitte red is classical, with a beautiful expression of Gunzian gravel terroir which gives it unique smoky notes. Elegant and structured, the red shows freshness, complexity, balance and richness.

The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, harvested at full maturity and softly vinified to extract only the silkiest tannins, unveils its full potential after proper aging. The other grape varieties of the vineyard, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, add their own aromas and participate in the harmony of a great Cru Classe de Graves.

The 2023 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a Bordeaux blend from the Pessac-Léognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This wine is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 60% new oak barrels. It is crafted from biodynamically grown grapes and features a cork closure.

James Suckling, who awarded the wine a near-perfect score of 99 points, described it as "probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had." He noted its "full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk." According to Suckling, the wine has a "fantastic backbone of tannins" due to small Cabernet berries, and he praised its "intensity of vivid and reserved fruit."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine 96 points, highlighting its "complex, elegantly oaky bouquet of dark wild berries, mulberries, blueberries, flowers, and spices." Reviewer Yohan Castaing noted its "fleshy core of fruit with good concentration and refined, structured tannins that segue into a long, penetrating and mineral finish." Castaing also mentioned that the wine was made with a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon due to mildew affecting the Merlot, giving it a distinctly Cabernet-driven texture.

Vinous' Antonio Galloni rated it 97 points, calling it a "powerhouse." He emphasized that the wine has "real substance and textural intensity," with notes of "blackberry, gravel, licorice, spice, plum and chocolate." Galloni suggested that the wine will need many years to be at its most expressive.

Jane Anson also gave the wine a score of 96 points, describing it as "Cabernet dominant in terms of aromatics and weight through the palate." She noted its "hidden depths and slow build" and mentioned that the vintage comes with a commemorative label celebrating a visit from King Charles and Camilla.

Decanter awarded the wine 97 points, praising its "dark and fragrant nose" and "big boned" structure. The reviewer highlighted its "serious, more straight and streamlined" character, with a "juicy core and layers of freshness."

Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider gave the wine 98 points, noting its "fresh, energetic" profile and "intense, focused, and complex" palate. He emphasized the wine's long finish, lasting almost 50 seconds.

Jeb Dunnuck also rated the wine 98 points, describing it as having "awesome aromatics of smoky red and black fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and hints of violets." He praised its "deep, unctuous mid-palate, and building tannins," calling it "one of the gems in the vintage."

Finally, Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent awarded the wine 96 points, noting its "opaque purple-black color" and "muscular black fruits." She highlighted the wine's "solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and well-knit freshness," which finish long and earthy.

In summary, the 2023 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux blend, noted for its structured palate, complex aromatics, and long finish. It is expected to age well and is highly recommended by multiple reviewers.