Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, 2020

When it was bought by Olympic skiing champion Daniel Cathiard, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte was a total underachiever.

A goldmine in terms of appellation, soil, climate, vines - but never seemed to produce the world-renowned goods like its neighbours.

All it needed was a push in the right direction, and for the last 25 years it’s been top of the game. Look at those scores!

The wine is all about its richness, intensity, length and palate presence, which somehow, remains perfectly balanced, with all of its layers of blackberries, smoke, espresso, black cherries, licorice, smoke and chocolate.

The wine shows winning harmony, balance and definite ageing potential.