Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2004

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A sensational effort and one of the stars of the vintage, Smith-Haut-Lafitte’s 2004 possesses an inky/blue/purple-tinged color as well as a sumptuous nose of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberries, and blackberries. Surprisingly full-bodied for the vintage with stunning concentration, purity, and overall harmony, this is another brilliant wine from the proprietors, the Cathiards, who have done such a spectacular job at this estate since the early 1990s."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "The Cathiards have scored with their 2004. It is rich and dense, but keeps a fine sense of structure. While the tannins are dusty, almost sweet, they keep good balance with the elegant fruit and the enticing acidity."

WEINWISSER: "Dunkles klares Rubinrot. Dichte, balsamische Nase, sehr würzig und rauchig, dann reife schwarze Beeren sowie Noten von roter Paprika, Lakritz und Humus. Fruchtbetonter, frischer Ansatz mit angenehmer Rundheit, feine Tanninstruktur, dezente Röstnoten."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "From a magnum, which could explain the wines youthful qualities, there is a richness to the fruit for the vintage that stands out. The nose serves up smoke, licorice, black cherry, earthy, oak and wet forest scents. The texture is smooth and the dark, spicy fruits come through in the finish. This is ready for prime time drinking."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Lots of blackberry, spice and tobacco on the nose, with hints of cigar box. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a dark chocolate and fruit aftertaste. Balanced and caressing."