Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot aged in 20% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry, herbs and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry & currant with notes of pepper, tobacco & cacao notes. Soft rich full tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy and mineral character, needs a little more time. — 4 days ago

Frank Soldano

9.5

Drinking the 2016 in 2024. Deep rich color. Very nice legs. Earthy with leather notes bouquet. Very easy drinking. Deep ripe fruit with a slightly sweet finish. Low tannins. — 2 months ago

Jan de Weerd

9.8

The best of the best. Nuanced, precise and so delicately delicious. Fresh and bright with precisely served portions of dark cherry and cassis, leather drenched in cuban tobacco and edged in uplifting minerality. Needless to say to say, this bottle went way too fast. — 9 months ago

with Tammy

Bob Boyle

9.2

On the pour nose of wax and pear, swirl adds wet stones, body full with notes of , pear, lemon rind and minerals with a caressing of the tongue yielding a medium long finish — 15 days ago

Inseon Hwang

9.5

Inky, black pepper, licorice, minerally finish. Young but will be amazing. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

8.9

2020 vintage. Just okay for the price. Medium body. No middle palate or finish to speak of. Front-loaded. Perhaps next vintage. I believe this is the inaugural vintage. Tough year to start up the engine.From some little concern in France known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. 5.9.24. — 6 months ago

Shay A

9.4

This was served during my annual WWC hosting. Typical format of sparkler, three whites, four reds, one dessert, all served blind.

Decanted an hour. Acquired during a visit to Melka a few years back. Last bottle of a 3-pack, and poured next to a 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. 100%SB and 100% barrel fermented. This was the SB that opened my eyes to how good SB could be 5-6yrs ago. The tropical aromatics (pineapple, lots of guava, white peach) alongside such a rich yet balanced palate (glycerin like, oak only noticeable in texture, not taste). Lemon cream with a puckering finish.

As an aside, I know these “super SauvBlancs” have become popular. Melka must be at the forefront thanks to involvement in V29, DANA, Lail, Melka, ADAMVS, and countless others from the Atelier Melka team. — a year ago

Jason Gelman

9.3

a beautiful stay on the property of smith haut lafite. lovely to try their wines and bring some home for aging — a month ago

Serge Mismetti

9.6

Très beau vin à maturité — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.1

Pop and pour. A beautiful dark ruby red color. On the nose: very aeromatic with dark fruit, herbaceous, some funky earth, leather and touch of mint. Taste: dark cherry, chocolate espresso, spice, tar, little bit of green veggie, and a medium dry finish with a slight still there tannic kick. — 4 months ago

with Brenda