This successful wine exhibits notes of ripe black currants and smoked herbs. With deep, concentrated, attractive flavors, medium body, sweet tannin, and decent acidity, this is an impressive, classic Graves that should drink well young yet age nicely for up to two decades. It is more structured and linear than the plump 2003, but both are top-notch efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2019. An estate run impeccably by the Cathiard family, Smith-Haut-Lafitte has been one of the bright shining stars of Bordeaux since the mid-1990s.

Superpretty red with licorice, plums and Indian spices that follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Very pretty indeed. All in finesse. Best after 2007. 8,330 cases made. -JS