CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE BLANC Grand Cru Classe Pessac-Leognan 2023 Wooden Case x 3 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

THE WINE ADVOCATE RP (94-96)
Reviewed by: Yohan Castaing
Drink Date: 2025 - 2045
Aromas of white fruits, crisp orchard fruits, spices, smoke, spring flowers and pear introduce the 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, layered and textured wine with a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids, concluding with a mineral, fresh and long finish highlighted by delicate notes of thyme and garrigue. Comprising 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris and matured in 50% new oak, this blend is among the finest white wines produced at this address.

Since achieving organic certification with the 2019 vintage, Smith Haut Lafitte has completely transformed its agricultural practices. The estate eliminated herbicides back in 1991, dramatically reducing chemical treatments and initially experiencing reduced yields. However, advancements in technology and methods have since alleviated these challenges. The vineyard employs cover crops in central and western sections where drainage is poor, and hedges have been planted to foster biodiversity. Ultraviolet treatments are being tested as a substitute for copper sulfate to further reduce chemical dependency. The winemaking process has also been refined to be less invasive: reds undergo cool, extended macerations with periodic punch-downs, while whites benefit from whole-cluster pressing in an inverted press, enhancing structural elegance and vitality in the wines. Since 1995, the Cathiards have developed their own nursery in collaboration with Bérillon for massal selection, and the estate boasts an in-house cooperage, sourcing oak from Tronçais and Jupilles for reds and Loches for whites, which adds tension. In 2023, the result is a lineup of bright and lively wines, both reds and whites, featuring a firm, structured mid-palate. These could gain even further elegance with winemaking practices perfectly tailored to the specific terroirs.

JAMES SUCKLING 97-98 Points
17 Apr, 2024 – Another exceptional vintage for Smith-Haut-Lafite Blanc. It’s so complex and structured, offering a palate that feels similar to the texture of a red wine with a velvety tannin structure. There’s a lot going on here. Spice, crushed seashell and citrus blossom. Salty, too. Weightless and so long. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% sauvignon gris and 5% semillon.

DECANTER 96
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 11 Apr 2024) Part of Best dry white Bordeaux 2023 wines tasted en primeur
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038
Strong aromatics, on the expressive side with herbal accents, spiced wood, green apple, quince, apricot, mango, peach honeycomb and elderflower. Very floral. Fresh and expansive, mineral and direct, but a good body full of fruit, freshness and honey characters. Definitely more opulent and exotic than the others in the range with hints of tropical fruit - pineapple and mango but also some lovely bitterness which adds tension to balance it out. A good combination, more vibrancy and energy than in previous years. Succulent and sumptuous with salinity. Very good and very easy to drink. Ageing 50% new oak.

JANE ANSON 98
LISA PEROTTI-BROWN 94-96

Terms and Conditions:
Delivery - Spring or Autumn 2025.
Prices - Include Freight, Duty & GST. No further discounts apply
Allocation - On a first-come-first-served basis.
Payment - As per our normal T&Cs.
E&OE - Errors & Omissions Excepted
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