Le Petit Haut Lafitte 2020 (OWC 6)

Description

By Vinous in 2023 (AG94)
The 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a gorgeous second wine. Dark cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, plum, spice and tobacco infuse the 2020 with striking aromatic nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that is very much in evidence in the wine’s flavor profile and overall structure. There’s terrific depth and density here, not to mention tons of character.

By Jeb Dunnuck in 2023 (JD94)
A more structured, serious wine, the more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has pure cassis and ripe black cherry fruits as well as medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, classic notes of leafy tobacco and spice, and a great finish. It stays in the pure, focused style of the vintage and is going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. It will keep for 10-15.

By Decanter in 2021 (D93)
This is laden with cassis and bilberry – Cabernet dominant, with clearly defined muscles. Juicy and elegant, I love this, it is less approachable now than the Petit Haut de Smith, but hugely enjoyable, and has the precision that is the mark of the good wines in this vintage. A touch of austerity on the finish. 30% new oak.

By Wine Advocate in 2021 (WA91-93)
Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aging in 30% new barriques, the 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with alluring scents of blackberry preserves, Black Forest cake and warm cassis, plus wafts of red roses and cinnamon toast with a hint of dried mint. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers plush tannins and soft acidity to support the generous, juicy black fruits, finishing on a lingering minty note.