2023 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc; all grapes are hand-picked in small crates and pressed in an oxygen-free environment using inert gas to preserve the aromatic potential of the grapes, followed by fermentation in French oak barrels (50% new oak barrels) and cold settling. Aging: 12 months on the lees with bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) in barrels.

Tasting notes from Fabien Teitgen, Winemaker: “White peaches and hints of gooseberry, capturing the approachable character of this wine, offering a lively and unpretentious welcome. An impeccable Sauvignon Blanc, without intrusive woody notes; expressive, without excess, featuring peach, exotic fruits, elderflower; a fine, silky palate, with good acidity, lively, elegant, and with very good length. Yellow-green color, intense, pure, and fine nose, with a subtle touch of mandarin. A very balanced and delicious ensemble."

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

ABOUT SMITH HAUT LAFITTE

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Grand Cru Classé property within the Pessac-Léognan appellation that needs little to no introduction. The wines from this estate captivate many drinkers and critics, and the versatility of this remarkable terroir must be celebrated. It is one of the few estates in Bordeaux that produces red, white, and rosé wines of excellent quality. The property boasts a long history in Bordeaux dating back more than 800 years. It was initially part of the Du Bosq estate in the Graves region. The Du Bosqs were the first to plant vines on the gravel plateau of Lafitte in 1365. The property was purchased in 1720 by a man named George Smith, who named it after himself, and thus Château Smith Haut Lafitte received its name. The property is currently owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard. The Cathiards bought Château Smith Haut Lafitte in 1990, and that is when the true story of this estate begins.

Prior to the Cathiards' involvement, Château Smith Haut Lafitte was not a well-known wine producer. The Cathiards purchased Château Smith Haut Lafitte because they were intrigued by the fact that the vineyard was capable of producing both red and white wines. The Cathiards implemented a series of sweeping changes to the estate and stopped using mechanical harvesting. Instead, they have hand-picked the fruit. The Cathiards also invested a substantial amount in building their own cooperage, enabling them to produce 70% of their own barrels. They have shifted agricultural practices toward sustainability, and the property is now considered a leader in that regard. As of 2020, they received a Robert Parker Green Emblem for sustainable viticulture practices. A blend of tradition and technological innovation governs winemaking practices at Château Smith Haut Lafitte. It is one of the first properties to use Oenoview satellite imagery to find the optimal time to start harvesting, alongside the use of optical sorting technology.

The Cathiards have decided to employ Michel Rolland and Stephane Derenoncourt as consultants to oversee the vinification process in the ultra-modern gravity-flow cellars. Extensive experimentation takes place in the barrel room, resulting in a dynamic and complex wine. The Les Hauts de Smith Rosé is an excellent, affordable wine that surpasses expectations in terms of quality. This Bordeaux rosé is slightly fruitier than its Provençal cousins, but that does not mean it is not bone-dry, with a pleasant, thirst-quenching acidity. With a beautiful salmon color that shimmers in the glass, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a delicious rosé that is perfect for warm summer evenings.