Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 1995

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Magnum. Dark blackish ruby. Sweet, harmonious and energetic on the nose. A more interesting nose than the 1996. Smells SO much more youthful than the 1990. Sweet start and flattering but at its peak. Iron filings spread through the liquid. Quite uncompromising with more minerals than fruit. Very chewy stony finish. A little hard on the end. I think this must have been lovely but it is starting to lose fruit. Falls away on the end. "

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This wine is already showing exceptionally well, even though it is not close to its plateau of maturity. The deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of roasted herbs intermixed with sweet black currant fruit, truffles, vanillin, and minerals. Lush, with ripe cassis fruit on the attack, outstanding balance, medium body, and layers of intensity, this is an elegant, graceful, smoothly textured, beautifully made Bordeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2018."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The first good vintage for the new owners is fully mature. The nose with its tobacco, wet earth, leaf, cherry and forest aromatics is my favorite part of the experience. There is some roughness and sharpness to the texture in the medium/full bodied finish."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromas of blackberries, with hints of cedar and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, with silky, firm tannins and a medium finish. Needs time still.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008."