In the glass
Aroma: honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, lemon zest, elderflower, white blossom
Palate: orange blossom, citrus juice, green apple, white peach, mineral salinity
A consistently top-rated Pessac-Leognan white dominated by Sauvignon Blanc with distinctive Sauvignon Gris character. Honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, and elderflower on the nose; vibrant citrus and mineral freshness on the palate. Frequently earns 95-98 points in recent vintages.
What it pairs with
-
Steamed Arcachon oysters
The wine's mineral-saline drive and citrus precision align with the briny sweetness of Atlantic oysters. -
Grilled langoustines with herb butter
Sweet crustacean and herbed butter find a partner in the wine's elderflower and citrus freshness. -
Coquilles Saint-Jacques with saffron cream
Saffron echoes the wine's stone-fruit register while sweet scallop complements its mineral depth. -
Chevre frais with lemon and herbs
Classic Sauvignon Blanc and goat's cheese pairing; the wine's citrus acidity amplifies the fresh cheese tang.
History
The white wine of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte came into prominence alongside the red after the Cathiard acquisition in 1990. Dominated by Sauvignon Blanc -- unusual for Pessac-Leognan whites, which more typically lean toward Semillon -- the wine has become one of the appellation's most celebrated whites, earning scores of 96-98 points in recent vintages.
- 1990 — Cathiard family begin modern era; white wine quality elevated alongside red
- 2000 — Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc establishes itself among the top Pessac-Leognan whites
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (90%), Sauvignon Gris (5%), Semillon (5%)
- Classification
- Cru Classe de Graves (white); Pessac-Leognan AOC
- Oak
- 45% new French oak; 12 months; partial barrel fermentation
- ABV
- 13.8%
- Price
- EUR 90-140 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Scores
- Wine Advocate 95 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2023)
- Decanter 96 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2023)
- Wine Advocate 97 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)