2019 Le Thil (Comte Clary)
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Coming from a château just beside Smith Haut Lafitte, the 2019 Château Le Thil is terrific and a borderline outstanding wine, although I think it needs just a few years of bottle age for its tannins to integrate. Red and black currants, tobacco, loamy earth, and floral notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, good overall balance, and solid length on the finish. Give bottles a year or three and enjoy over the following decade.
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James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
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From clay-limestone soils located between Carbonnieux and Smith-Haut-Lafitte, the 2019 le Thil exhibits aromas of ripe berries, dark chocolate, fruitcake and spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich and ripe, with a fleshy, somewhat baked core of fruit and plenty of powdery tannins, it's a Merlot-dominant blend that reflects the sunny, dry vintage. This estate is owned by the Cathiard family of Smith-Haut-Lafitte.
The 2019 Le Thil Comte Clary has a pretty bouquet of black currant and a bit more red fruit – yes, it still reminds me a little of the children’s fruit drink Ribena. The palate is medium-bodied and a little tight, with firm tannins, grainy black fruit and a grippy, quite muscular finish. Give this a couple of years in bottle.