Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2022

A precise Pessac-Léognan white wine with a wonderful vivacity

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 châteaux in Bordeaux. This magnificent estate entered a new era in its history when it was bought by Daniel and Florence Cathiard in 1990. Château Smith Haut Laffite, driven by the passion and ambition of the Cathiard couple, has become one of the finest estates in the Graves region, producing red and white wines that are renowned the world over for their elegance and style.

The vineyard

Château Smith Haut Laffite is a Pessac-Léognan wine produced from a 78-hectare vineyard with vines on average 40 years old. The château uses its own vines from a mother vine preserved in the nursery on the Gironde river island of La Lande.

The vintage

A dry, cold winter advanced early budburst in early March. Warm, dry conditions in the spring, officially the hottest on record, led to early, even flowering. The rigour of the teams helped to limit the stress on the vines, particularly on the oldest vines, in the face of a hot, dry summer. Véraison was rapid, starting at the end of July. The heat of autumn was punctuated by a few rainy spells, which helped to keep the vines cool thanks to their deep roots.

Winemaking and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are pressed directly and gently in an inert environment. Fermentation in barrels (50% new) from the château's own cooperage before ageing on the lees for 12 months. 50% new wood. Additional post-blending ageing for 3 months in vats.

Blend

Sauvignon Blanc (90%)
Sémillon (5%)
Sauvignon Gris (5%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2022 blanc

Tasting

Colour
The wine has a beautiful pale yellow colour.

Nose
The nose is complex, exhaling fruity (peach, fresh apricot, fresh mango), spicy and floral (star anise, elderflower, acacia) fragrances as well as citrus scents (pomelo, pink grapefruit). A true expression of the characteristics of this vintage, the bouquet elegantly blends perfectly ripe fruit with a lovely freshness.

Palate
A full and creamy attack gives way to a lively, fresh, smooth and lingering palate. Through aeration, delicious flavours of star anise, flower and gunflint arise, characteristic of the estate’s white wines.