2020 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

White Bordeaux are becoming increasingly sought after and this is certainly due to the likes of Smith Haut Lafite as they make a very serious white wine. The Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc reflects the estate's drive to make more structured, well-ageing white wines. With aromas of gooseberry, nectarine, mint and lemongrass, mixed with hints of pastry cream, almond paste and smoke, it is a full-bodied wine with a satin and sharp texture. The initial taste gives way to a meaty but promising tightly wound mid-palate, ending with a salty finish. As usual, the blend contains a small percentage of Sauvignon Gris, which adds more dry extracts to the whole.

FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of 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 a drinker and critic, and the versatility of this remarkable terroir is to be celebrated. It is one of the few estates in Bordeaux that produces red, white and rosé wines of outstanding quality. The property has a long history in Bordeaux dating back over 800 years. It was originally 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, thus giving Château Smith Haut Lafitte its name. The property is currently owned by Daniel and Florence Cathiard. The Cathiards purchased 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 vineyard’s ability to produce both red and white wines. The Cathiards made a series of major changes to the estate, discontinuing mechanical harvesting and instead hand-picking the fruit. The Cathiards also invested a significant amount of money into building their own cooperage, allowing them to produce 70% of their own barrels. They shifted their farming practices toward sustainability, and the property is now considered a leader in this regard. As of 2020, they were awarded a Robert Parker Green Emblem for sustainable viticultural practices. A blend of tradition and technological innovation govern the 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 took the decision to employ Michel Rolland and Stephane Derenoncourt as consultants to oversee the vinification process in the ultra-modern gravity flow cellars. The barrel room is a place of experimentation, resulting in a dynamic and complex wine. The Les Hauts de Smith Rosé is an excellent, affordable wine that surpasses in quality. This Bordeaux rosé is slightly fruitier than its Provencal cousins, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t bone dry, with a pleasantly thirst-quenching acidity. With a beautiful salmon colour that shimmers in the glass, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a delightful rosé that is perfect for warm summer evenings.