This property is worthy of readers' interest as the wines continue to go from strength to strength (this is also true of the gorgeous dry white wines being made at Smith-Haut-Lafitte). A surprisingly soft, supple, velvety-textured 1994, Smith-Haut-Lafitte has managed to subdue the potential for astringent tannin in this vintage. This wine possesses a healthy purple color, a smoky, spicy, blackcurrant-scented nose, sweet, medium-bodied, well-endowed flavors, a youthfulness and grapiness that does not yet exhibit the complexity of the 1993, and a moderately tannic finish. The 1994 should reach maturity in 2-4 years, and last for 15-18.