2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc was picked early between August 20 and September 2. It was raised in 50% new oak, and has quite a discrete bouquet with white peach, Mirabelle, jasmine and light pressed flower aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a rounded texture, a little more weight and density than other whites that I have tasted, quite peppery towards the finish and lingering in the mouth. This is a great success in the context of a warm vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Honeyed citrus, orange blossom, mint, crushed stone, and brioche all emerge from the 2025 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, and the rest Sémillon that's being raised in 50% new barrels with the balance in once-used oak. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with deep, rich, layered fruit and a lengthy, seamless finish. It's one of the whites of the vintage.
White peaches, orange rind, pineapples, pears, flowers, and a delicate touch of herbs form the aromatic profile. The palate shines with its opulent, sweet, ripe, white peaches, and creamy-textured pineapples. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris. 13.5% ABV, 3.25 pH. Harvesting took place August 24 - September 2.
Bright, vibrant aromas of sliced apples, pears and lemons with some acacia and flint. The palate is dense and tight, with so much chalk and oyster shell character. Extremely long and pure, with vivid energy at the end. Sharp and driven by acidity. A blend of 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon and 5% sauvignon gris.
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.