Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc 2021
Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte is located in the left bank appellation of Pessac-Leognan, which lies just to the south of the city of Bordeaux. This red and dry white appellation was created in 1987 from the most celebrated area of Graves and is home to Chateau Haut-Brion and La Mission-Haut-Brion.
The appellation of Graves was established in the 1930s. A classification was established in 1953 and updated in 1959, recognising 16 Crus Classes de Graves, one of which was, and still is, Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte.
Earliest records of vines at the estate date back to the 14th century, but it was not until the mid-18th century, when Scottish wine merchant George Smith acquired the estate and named it after himself, that it became known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. The estate passed through many hands, until in 1990 the Cathiard family acquired it and set to transforming it.
As Stephen Brook noted in "The Complete Bordeaux" 3rd edition, "Other rich owners have made dramatic improvements to their estates but they all pale into insignificance compared to the Cathiards." Top consultants were engaged and no expense was spared in the vineyard (organically certified in 2019) and winery. They are one of the few estate with their own cooperage (barrel making).
The 2021 Blanc is a blend of 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon and 5% sauvignon gris. It was aged 50% in new oak and the finished wine is 14% alcohol.
This wine was purchased en-primeur and has been stored in a temperature controlled cabinet.
"This has so much depth and power, with complex notes of flint, oyster shell, white pepper, dried mango, lemon, papaya, apricot stone and chalk. Medium-to full-bodied. Bright, yet creamy. It’s so long and concentrated. Wait and see."
98/99 points, James Suckling, May 2022.
"Lemon and lime, such purity and scintillating freshness, bright and sharp, so well positioned and poised with licks of mineral salinity on the finish. Great texture, weight and sense of life. I love this wine! The juiciness is moreish and this makes you want another sip straight away. (Drink between 2025-2046)."
96 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com, December 2023.
"The 2021 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is similarly crisp, focused, and chiseled, yet has another level of concentration. Racy citrus, lime, and graphite fruit notes are support by beautiful minerality, minty herb, and sappy flower-like aromatics. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated white offering perfectly integrated acidity, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, and a clean, dry finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This beauty will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and have over two decades of longevity. (Drink between 2028-2042)"
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, April 2024.
| SKU | 1SMHTLAFBLNC21 |
| Shipping Weight | 1.5000kg |
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