2021 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The nose of the 2021 Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc enlivens the senses with its wonderful, heady, floral, scented aromatics and citrus-rind notes. More restrained and compact than the Le Petit Haut Lafitte tasted alongside, as the wine unfurls on the palate, it is layered and texturally stunning. The balance of freshness, precision and clarity of fruit, with no hint of greenness is fantastic. The wine has great attack, pinpoint poise, a brightness to the fruit and mineral tones on the long finish. This is such a complete wine, it is really exceptional. 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon Gris
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the wines of the vintage when retasted in bottle, and it's absolutely singing now. A deliciously slow build through the palate, mouthwatering with white pear, quince, brioche, salted cracker, sage, graphite, and a ton of restrained citrus. The texture opens to show a creamy, gourmet and irresistable side. Harvest September 2 to 20, 50% new oak for ageing. Once again proving that this is one of the standout whites of France, from Daniel and Florence Cathiard.
This has so much blossom honey and white flowers with limes and other citrus. Stone and mineral undertones. Subtle passion fruit. A truly complex and great nose. Full-bodied and compact with fruit, phenolics and fresh acidity. Just a touch of sea salt. Very long and persistent. If you close your eyes, it’s like a great red wine. One of the best whites ever to come from here. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
The 2021 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (90% Sauvignon and 5% each of Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon) is similarly crisp, focused, and chiseled, yet has another level of concentration. Racy citrus, lime, and graphite fruit notes are support by beautiful minerality, minty herb, and sappy flower-like aromatics. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated white offering perfectly integrated acidity, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, and a clean, dry finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This beauty will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and have over two decades of longevity.
About the producer
Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan today – all thanks to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who took over the property in 1990 and have since transformed the estate, converting to biodynamics and crafting wines of increasing finesse.