Château Olivier: One Hour Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting
Learn about the vineyard's commitment to protecting its environment and wildlife, discover the history of the property and finish with a tasting of red and white.
Profile
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2024 to 2030.
vintage2 yrs8 yrs10 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Advocate reviewed 2023 | 2022 | 93/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
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.More wines for oysters →
- Grilled sole with capers and lemon Crisp acidity and citrus fruit complement delicate white fish; capers echo the wine's herbal character.More wines for fish →
- Asparagus with hollandaise High acidity cuts through buttery hollandaise; lime and herbal freshness aligns with asparagus.More wines for vegetables and salads →
How to serve Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- 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.
- 1993Le 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
What does Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc taste like?
On the nose, lime tree, verbena, spring flowers, citrus oil, fresh herbs. On the palate, grapefruit, white peach, elderflower, stone fruit, crisp mineral finish. Structurally medium-bodied, high acidity with a medium 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.
When should I drink Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc?
Drink 2-8 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc?
Oysters with mignonette is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled sole with capers and lemon and Asparagus with hollandaise. Racy Sauvignon Blanc acidity is the traditional oyster partner; citrus and mineral notes amplify brine.
What grapes are in Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc?
The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%). The wine is classified as Pessac-Leognan AOC.
Tags
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