Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2016 is a harmonious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. At 10 years old, the wine still retains a beautiful fruit profile of black fruits, blueberry and cassis along with developed, savoury notes of cigar and wood smoke which are perfectly balanced with a fresh graphite edge. It’s relatively fresh with herby notes and star anise. Generous, luscious and really good.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is owned by the Cathiard family who made their money from a chain of sports shops whilst also representing France at international level at downhill skiing. Since the purchase in 1991 Daniel and Florence have spent a considerable amount of money on the estate and developed the non-wine side of the business with a luxury hotel, spa and restaurant. No expense has been spared on the wines either as the winery, equipment and vineyards have been brought up to modern standards with the best in the business brought in to oversee the overhaul. I guess they are the Man City of Bordeaux! The wines are now some of the most exciting in Bordeaux, unlike Man City’s football.