Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc

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.

How to serve Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc

Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.

1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
2. Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. Pair with. Oysters with mignonette, Grilled sole with capers and lemon, Asparagus with hollandaise. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

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.

1. 1993: Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc introduced as the second white wine of the estate

Facts

Producer

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte · visiting guide

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

Frequently asked about Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc

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