Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

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.

How to serve Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.

1. Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
2. Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. Pair with. Steamed Arcachon oysters, Grilled langoustines with herb butter, Coquilles Saint-Jacques with saffron cream. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

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 drawn strong critical reception in recent vintages (reviewer-points tuples on scores array).

1. 1990: Cathiard family begin modern era; white wine quality elevated alongside red
2. 2000: Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc establishes itself among the top Pessac-Leognan whites

Facts

Producer

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte · visiting guide

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

Frequently asked about Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

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