Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2021

The richness and elegance of a Pessac-Léognan second white wine

The estate

Location at the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation and dating from 1365, Château Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the oldest châteaux in Bordeaux. This magnificent Grâces estate entered a new era in its history following its purchase by Daniel and Florence Cathiard in 1990. Sustained by the passion and ambition of the Cathiard couple, Château Smith Haut Lafitte has established itself as one of the most beautiful Graves estates alongside the growths which are reputed worldwide for their elegance and style, both in terms of red and white wine.

The vineyard

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Pessac-Léognan wine that stems from a 78-hectare vineyard, comprised of vines that are 40 years old on average. The château uses its own vine plants thanks to a mother vine preserved in the plant nursery on the island of Lalande.

The wine

Made from vines that are 11 years old on average, produced by massal selection with grafting stock from the estate's mother vine, Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is the estate's Second Wine.

Vinification and ageing

Hand-picked in small crates followed by inert pressing. Fermentation in French oak barrels (50% new wood) after static cold settling. The wine is aged for 12 months on lees with stirring in barrels (50% new and 50% second-fill barrels) made in the estate’s in-house cooperage.

The blend

Sauvignon Blanc (80%)

Semillon (20%).

Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2021 white wine: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine showcases a deep pale yellow colour.

Nose

Expressive, the nose blends fruity (peach, apricot) and floral (acacia, orange blossom) fragrances with delicious citrus notes.

Palate

A well-balanced attack with a beautiful tension precedes a dense and velvety mouth. The aromatic framework resonates with the aromas on the nose and blends mineral and spicy notes along with a hint of gunflint, a unique feature of this terroir. The finish offers an alluring minerality.