Château Smith Haut Lafitte, 'Les Hauts de Smith' (Blanc), Bordeaux, France, 2019

Overview of the Wine
Thanks to its 55 hectares of superb gravelly vineyards, Smith Haut Lafitte is often referred to as the "archetypical Graves." The estate's history goes back to the Crusades, and a Scottish navigator, George Smith, who became the owner of the estate in the 18th century. He was followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, and then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper.

In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard also fell under the spell of this beautiful estate. Since then, they have restored the 16th century tower, renovated the 18th century manor house, built two underground cellars, went back to traditional vine growing methods without chemical herbicides and set up their own cooperage. The perfect elegance, excellent balance and fine structure of Smith Haut Lafitte's red and white wines are the ultimate reflection of the current owners' total commitment to quality.

Grape / Blend
100% Sauvignon Blanc

Origin
Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Made from a blend of wines from Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Les Hautsde Smith are fermented and aged with just as much care as the Grand Vin. From the vineyard to the cellar, exactly the same winemaking techniques are used.

Pale yellow color, fresh citrus notes on the nose. On the palate, fresh acidity, balanced, finishing with a light mineral touch.

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Les Hauts De Smith Blanc is cut from the same cloth, with maybe a touch more acidity and freshness over the Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc. Based on 100% Sauvignon, it has bright lemon and citrus fruits as well as ample minerality, medium to full body, bright yet integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's another beautiful white that's going to evolve nicely for 4-6 years or more.

93 Points - James Suckling
Already a delicious, fruity white with light mango, pear and honey character. Medium body, creamy texture and a fruity finish. Not the most concentrated, but nicely done.

92 Points - Vinous
The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc, 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is a wine of real sophistication and class. Floral overtones, orchard fruit, chamomile, mint and a kiss of new French oak all grace this exquisite, wonderfully expansive Sauvignon Blanc.-- Antonio Galloni

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc begins a little closed on the nose, soon unfurling to reveal fragrant scents of lime blossoms, lemongrass and shaved ginger with a core of yuzu, fresh apple slices and kumquat plus a waft of dill seed. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with zip and zing, offering a racy acid backbone and a seriously minerally finish.

Product size: 750ml