2021 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
While the 2021 Les Hauts De Smith Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, you'd be hard pressed to guess it blind, and it has enough richness and depth to make you think there's at least a splash of Sémillon in there. Minty herbs, minerals, and lime notes all define the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied, with a vibrant, refreshing style that carries good concentration and bright acidity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc, which is pure Sauvignon Blanc, has a well-defined bouquet with touches of yellow fruit and white flowers, gradually opening up in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a taut and linear opening. It’s fresh on the finish, but the Le Petit exhibits a little more weight on the close.
The 2021 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, mostly from young vines. It’s fresh and bright, with terrific texture. A touch of reduction requires some aeration to dissipate, but it does, blowing off to reveal citrus peel, jasmine, white pepper and mint. There’s great balance, tension and class here.
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.