Les Hauts de Smith 2019

The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith has gained quite a bit of volume in élevage. Plush and expansive in feel, Les Hauts offers a striking combination of Merlot richness complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure. Dried herbs, leather, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add layers of nuance. The 2019 should be an absolute delight in another few years' time.

Very pretty aromas of sweet berries with some violets and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied with chewy tannins, as well as crushed-stone character with lavender. Medium, juicy finish. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet sauvignon. Drink after 2024.

A Merlot-based blend, the 2019 Les Hauts de Smith offers up aromas of rich berry fruit, cherries, bay leaf and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, it's broad and fleshy, with a ripe core of fruit, fine tannins and lively acids. Gourmand and expressive, it is drinking well on release. 2021 - 2033

The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith presents a crisp, pure nose of black plum and red currant fruit, plus subtle undergrowth and light minty aromas. The palate is harmonious on the entry with pliant tannins and gentle grip. A little firmer on the finish than last year, albeit still offering attractive clove and black pepper notes that linger on the aftertaste. Delicious.

Mid ruby in colour, the 2019 Hauts de Smith is open-knit and delicious to drink already. Fragrant with cherry blossom and deeper dark plum notes on the nose, the palate is silky and seamless. Midweight and fine, the juicy blue and black fruit at the core is moreish and supple. Elegant yet ripe, there are flecks of sweet spice throughout, adding complexity and depth. Enjoy now, or over the coming 8+ years.

This is a little more subdued than some vintages at this point of Les Hauts de Smith, there is more structure than in 2018 for example. Give it time, as it unrolls to show delicious waves of luscious cracked pepper and sappy cassis fruits, with a scrape of salinity and turmeric spice on the finish.