Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2023
Tasting notes from Fabien Teitgen, Winemaker:
Pale yellow robe.
The nose is already expressive and very complex, combining ripe fruit notes (peach, fresh apricot, fresh mango), crystalline citrus notes (pomelo, pink grapefruit), and more delicate and elegant hints of spices and flowers (star anise, elderflower, acacia).
The bouquet reflects the essence of the vintage: a beautiful combination of ripe fruit maturity with freshness and elegance.
The attack is dense and broad, with a superb texture and creamy mouthfeel. The wine stretches across the palate, supported by refreshing acidity and a long, dazzling finish.
The sweet–fresh balance is truly remarkable, with volume and silkiness perfectly countered by vibrant freshness.
On the palate: an explosion of fruit that evolves into more refined, sophisticated aromatics—sweet spices, star anise, floral notes, and the signature flinty minerality of great Smith Haut Lafitte whites.
Yield:
24 hl/ha before selection into the estate’s three white wines:
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Château Smith Haut Lafitte
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Les Hauts de Smith
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Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte
Blend:
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90% Sauvignon Blanc
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5% Sauvignon Gris
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5% Sémillon
Vinification:
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Manual harvest into small crates
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Inert pressing to preserve aromatics
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Cold static settling
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Fermentation in French oak barrels (50% new)
Aging:
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12 months on lees
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In 50% new oak barrels and 50% one-wine barrels
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All barrels made in the estate’s in-house cooperage
Average Vine Age:
39 years
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