Château Smith Haut Lafitte has unveiled its 2023 vintage at GBP 1,188 (EUR 1,406) per 12×75, marking a significant moment in this year's Bordeaux En Primeur campaign.
This release price is notable not only for its economic implications but also for the critical acclaim the wine has garnered.
The Release Details
The 2023 vintage of Château Smith Haut Lafitte has been released at EUR 91.20 per bottle ex-négociant, a 20% reduction from the 2022 release price of EUR 114. On the international market, it is offered at GBP 1,188 (EUR 1,406) per 12×75, which is 13.2% lower than the 2022 opening price of GBP 1,368 (EUR 1,619) per 12×75. The vintage also features a commemorative label celebrating the visit of King Charles III, adding a unique collectible aspect.
Critical Acclaim
The 2023 vintage has received high praise from several esteemed critics:
- Antonio Galloni (Vinous): Scored 95-97 points, describing the wine as "somber and explosive" and noting it will need many years to reach its full potential.
- Yohan Castaing (The Wine Advocate): Awarded 94-96 points, highlighting a "complex, elegantly oaky bouquet of dark wild berries, mulberries, blueberries, flowers, and spices".
- Jane Anson: Gave a score of 96 points, praising its "hidden depths and slow build" that elevate it to "one of the truly exceptional wines of Bordeaux".
- Neal Martin (Vinous): Also scored it 94-96 points, calling it "excellent" and one of the most structured recent vintages, recommending it be aged for four or five years.
- James Lawther MW (Jancis Robinson): Awarded 17/20 points, noting it is "already quite open and appealing, with plenty of lift and freshness".
- Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (The Wine Independent): Scored it 94-96+ points, describing an "eruption of blackcurrant preserves, ripe plums, and baked black cherries, with hints of chocolate mint, violets, and unsmoked cigars".
Pricing Analysis
The 2023 vintage is priced as one of the most expensive on the market. For those seeking value, the 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 vintages may present more attractive options:
- 2019 Vintage: Scored 96 points by Neal Martin, available at a market price of GBP 800 per 12×75, representing a 32.7% discount to the 2023 release price.
- 2016 Vintage: Received 98 points from Antonio Galloni, making it the highest-scored vintage of the past decade.
These vintages offer opportunities for buyers seeking either value or wines with additional bottle age.
Other Releases
In addition to the red, Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc was also released today at GBP 1,404 (EUR 1,662) per 12×75, a slight decrease of 2.4% from last year’s price of GBP 1,439 (EUR 1,703). Jane Anson awarded this wine 98 points, recommending it as "a buy".
Conclusion
Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2023 has made a strong impression in the market, both for its pricing strategy and the acclaim from top critics. While the 2023 vintage is priced higher, back-vintages such as the 2019 and 2016 offer compelling alternatives for buyers. Collectors and investors alike should consider these factors as they navigate the current offerings in the Bordeaux En Primeur campaign.