772 | Wine | France, Pessac-leognan / Graves

"A stunning sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was made by winemaking guru/consultant Stephane Derenoncourt. The wine’s 14.5% alcohol tells you something about its amazing richness and intensity. Aromas of smoke, lead pencil shavings, sweet kirsch and black currants soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy wine. Some tannin lurks beneath the surface, but the overall impression is one of opulence and extravagance. Drink this beauty over the next decade or more." -Robert Parker

"A major sleeper of the vintage, this blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is another “best ever” performance. Notes of tobacco leaf, hot rocks, sweet kirsch and black currants are impressively displayed in this medium to full-bodied, velvety textured, very seductive style of wine. Drink it over the next decade." -Robert Parker

"Merlot displays classic tobacco leaf and smoky barbecue notes along with rich black currants and crushed rocks in a medium to full-bodied, seductive, attractively up-front style. Some Asian plum sauce is also noticeable in this complex, evolved and delicious wine, which can be drunk over the next 10-15 years. It is a sleeper of the vintage." -Robert Parker

"Merlot displays classic tobacco leaf and smoky barbecue notes along with rich black currants and crushed rocks in a medium to full-bodied, seductive, attractively up-front style. Some Asian plum sauce is also noticeable in this complex, evolved and delicious wine, which can be drunk over the next 10-15 years. It is a sleeper of the vintage." -Robert Parker

"This has a slightly sweet core of plum, cherry and raspberry, with hints of lilac, tar and warm stone. There's a somewhat sinewy feel on the finish, as a sanguine edge emerges."

"The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings and incense. This massive, extraordinarily rich, unctuously textured wine may be the most concentrated effort produced to date, although the 2000, 2005 and 2010 are nearly as prodigious. A gorgeous expression of Pessac-Leognan with sweet tannin, emerging charm and delicacy, and considerable power, depth, richness and authority, it should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. Bravo!"-Robert Parker

"A ripe, broad style, with salted butter and blanched almond notes leading the way, followed by candied lemon peel, shortbread and white peach notes. Stays fresh through the finish."-Robert Parker

"Another sleeper of the vintage. ...the relatively evolved, elegant, complex 2008 Haut-Bergey offers up notes of smoked tobacco, cassis, cherries, licorice, Asian plum sauce and spice box. With abundant fruit, an opulent texture and an elegant style, this pretty, medium-bodied, richly fruity wine should drink well for 12-14 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.