In the glass
Aroma: lime tree, verbena, spring flowers, citrus oil, fresh herbs
Palate: grapefruit, white peach, elderflower, stone fruit, crisp mineral finish
The second white wine of Smith Haut Lafitte. Sauvignon Blanc-driven with Semillon adding roundness; lime tree, verbena, and citrus oil aromas lead a fresh, floral palate with elderflower and white peach. Vibrant acidity makes it an excellent aperitif and shellfish partner.
What it pairs with
-
Oysters with mignonette
Racy Sauvignon Blanc acidity is the traditional oyster partner; citrus and mineral notes amplify brine. -
Grilled sole with capers and lemon
Crisp acidity and citrus fruit complement delicate white fish; capers echo the wine's herbal character. -
Asparagus with hollandaise
High acidity cuts through buttery hollandaise; lime and herbal freshness aligns with asparagus.
History
Created alongside the second red wine in the early Cathiard era as the affordable counterpart to Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. The white is unusually high in Sauvignon Blanc content, matching the philosophy of the grand vin blanc.
- 1993 — Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc introduced as the second white wine of the estate
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%)
- Classification
- Pessac-Leognan AOC
- Oak
- 50% new French oak; 12 months
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 30-45 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1993
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Scores
- Wine Advocate 93 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2023)