100
THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings and incense. This massive, extraordinarily rich, unctuously textured wine may be the most concentrated effort produced to date, although the 2000, 2005 and 2010 are nearly as prodigious. A gorgeous expression of Pessac-Leognan with sweet tannin, emerging charm and delicacy, and considerable power, depth, richness and authority, it should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. Bravo!"
98
THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: 98 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This is becoming compelling, now that the wine has dropped most of its baby fat. It also continues adding complexity, softness and secondary nuances. Silky, lush and polished, the velvet tannins are the perfect backing for the smoky, dark, ripe berries, licorice and earthy scents. The wine is long, which is a good thing, as it feels just great on your palate."
96
JAMES SUCKLING: "Aromas of flowers, dried citrus fruit and blueberries follow through to a full body, with firm and silky tannins and a long, long finish. Gorgeous fruit and structure. Polished and powerful. Best red ever from Smith. Best in 2018."
18
WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Rahmiges Bouquet, Brombeergelée, Kokos, ein Hauch Vanille, parfümierte Cabernetnoten mit verführersich süssem Merlot vermischt, Heidelbeerblüten. Am Gaumen saftig und cremig, berauschend süsse, angerundete Tannine, im Innern fein pfeffrig, mit rasanter Rasse und spannender Länge. Wird er mal so gut wie der 2005er? Dann kassiert er in knapp 10 Jahren 19/20 Punkte."