Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2023 – Pessac-Léognan, BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Elegant and highly energized dry white showing vivid tension and polish, driven by Sauvignon Blanc 90%, Sémillon 5% and Sauvignon Gris 5%. Bright citrus and stone fruit lead into subtle floral lift and gentle oak framing, delivering full flavor intensity without heaviness. The acidity is fully active yet beautifully controlled, giving precision, length, and clarity rather than sharpness.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, grapefruit pith, white peach, green apple, crushed stone, acacia blossom, subtle almond and light toast.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, taut and linear with a silky mid-palate, vibrant acid spine, and a clean, saline-tinged finish that keeps everything lifted and fresh.
Food Pairings
Seared scallops, citrus-driven crudo, grilled branzino, goat cheese, herb-roasted chicken, light truffle pasta.
Verdict
A polished, terroir-driven white that balances energy and refinement effortlessly. Serious freshness without aggression, a textbook modern Pessac Blanc showing both drinkability and aging promise.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is my kind of white Bordeaux, fully alive on the palate, laser-focused acidity without fatigue, and quietly layered. — a month ago
The petrol note is pronounced, yet beautifully integrated. Citrus and tropical tones emerge on the nose, joined by a faint wisp of smoke. The palate has Viognier-like texture, lending weight and shape, while bright, clean-cut acidity is balanced by just a touch of residual sweetness.
It’s puzzling that Napa Valley can produce Riesling of this caliber! — 2 months ago
Brilliant and complex wine. Personally i couldnt find any hint of sauvignon blanc on the nose and it reminds me more of a chardonnay. Great use of wood and acidity. Will improve in the coming years. Highly recommmend! Served with roasted cauliflower soup — a month ago
Helluva Vineyard, helluva wine. — a month ago
Very good wine — 5 days ago
So underrated and punching way above its weight class. Bit more delicate and pure than your high end Boudreaux. Perfect for seaside dinners. Great vintage too. — 2 months ago
Chris MacLean
Solid Napa cab — 24 days ago