Smith Haut Lafitte 2018 has been released at €79.20 per bottle ex-negociant, up 17.9% on the 2017 (€67.20). It is being offered by the trade at £978 per 12×75, an increase of 18.5% in sterling terms on the 2017 release of £825 per case.
The critical reception of today’s release has been somewhat mixed. James Suckling awarded the wine 98-99 points and described it as “fascinating”, “layered and complex”. Lisa Perroti-Brown MW (The Wine Advocate) gave it a similar barrel range of 97-99+ points and said it was “both elegant and powerful in its expression”.
At the same time, Antonio Galloni (Vinous) “found the 2018 very challenging to taste on two separate occasions”. According to Galloni, who scored it 90-93 points, “the wine just needs time to find its center”.
Prices for Smith Haut Lafitte are strongly correlated to critic scores. While followers of Suckling and Perrotti-Brown will find value in today’s release, those considering Galloni’s score might be on the lookout for alternatives. Both the 2012 and the 2016 look attractive and are currently available at small discounts.
Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2018 was also released today, at €82.80 per bottle ex-negociant, up 3% on the 2017 (€80.40). It is being offered by the international trade at £1,020 per case.
Looking for more?
Our Bordeaux 2018 pages contain everything you need to know about this year’s En Primeur campaign, including:
- Critic scores
- Release prices
- Bordeaux 2018 analysis tool [members only]
- The conversation on social media
- Liv-ex’s fair value methodology
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