Château Smith Haut Lafitte, 'Les Hauts de Smith' (Blanc), Bordeaux, France, 2023

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.

Winemaker
Fabien Teitgen

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 Hauts de 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.

95 Points - James Suckling
A tangy and bright white with sliced lemon and light mango, as well as crushed stone and vivid energy. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Purity and energy. 100% sauvignon blanc.

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
All Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Hauts De Smith Blanc is light gold-hued and has a rocking bouquet of ripe citrus, sappy herbs, tangerine, and even a hint of mint. It's beautifully balanced, medium-bodied, has bright acidity, and outstanding length, with the vintage's ripe fruit balanced by bright acidity.

92 Points - Falstaff
Light greenish yellow, silver reflections. Delicate yellow tropical fruit, notes of mango and guava, a hint of mandarin zest; an inviting, fruity bouquet. Medium body, fine white pear fruit, fresh structure, balanced, a versatile food wine.

92 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is soft, open-knit and ready to go. This is an especially creamy, unctuous vintage for the Blanc. Lemon confit, white flowers, white pepper, mint and tangerine peel appear with some air. Bright acids arrive on the finish to balance things out. 

91 Points - Wine Advocate
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2023 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc evokes aromas of white fruits, white flowers, citrus and verbena, followed by a medium-bodied, round and satiny palate with a juicy mid-palate and an ethereal, saline and mouthwatering finish.

91 Points - Wine Independent
Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2023 is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and it is aging in around 50% new oak barrels. It skips out of the glass with notes of fresh grapefruit, fresh pears, and lime leaves, followed by hints of wet pebbles and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing, with a good intensity of citrusy flavors, finishing long and chalky. Nice!

Product size: 750ml