Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2021

The freshness and complexity of a Pessac-Léognan white wine

The estate

Located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation and dating back to 1365, Château Smith Haut-Lafitte is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux. This magnificent property of Grâces has entered a new era in its history, following its acquisition by Daniel and Florence Cathiard in 1990. The Cathiards manage Chateau Smith Haut Laffite with great passion and ambition, having elevated the property to the rank of the most beautiful properties of Graves with wines renowned worldwide for their class and style, both in red and in white.

The vineyard

With a superb location in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard covers 78 hectares of vines, which are 40 years old on average. The château uses its own vine plants from a mother vine preserved in their nursery on the island of Lalande.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are pressed directly in an inert environment. Fermentation in barrels (50% new oak) from the estate’s in-house cooperage. Aged on lees for 12 months (50% new, 50% second-fill barrels).

The blend

Sauvignon Blanc (90%)

Semillon (5%)

Sauvignon Gris (5%).

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2021 white wine: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

A beautiful pale yellow colour with subtle green highlights.

Nose

The nose gradually reveals refreshing citrus fruit and grapefruit aromas along with elegant floral notes (white flowers) and spices (star anise). Airing brings out a beautiful complexity through fruity (white peach, nectarine, apricot), floral and flinty notes.

Palate

A frank and lively attack gives way to an ample and smooth mouth. Sustained by a beautiful acidity, the palate stretches out harmoniously and leads to a long seductive finish that exudes freshness, minerality and salinity. A successful vintage, on a par with the 2017 and 2013 vintages.