Joan Ziegler

9.3

Loved and appreciated by the guests at our 2025 trim the tree Christmas party! Delicious! Big, bold, super smooth, well structured cab! Definitely taste like more! — 21 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

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 day ago

Jolinda Craig

9.0

Given to me for our anniversary. Really smooth bottle.  — a month ago

Ming L

9.4

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! — a month ago

Donald Williams

9.7

Helluva Vineyard, helluva wine. — 3 days ago

with Bonnie

Ericsson

9.4

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. — a month ago

k

8.9

Balanced with front fruit and decent body. No overpowering aspects. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2023 – Pessac-Léognan, BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully balanced Pessac-Léognan red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 65% · Merlot 30% · Cabernet Franc 4% · Petit Verdot 1% that delivers finesse, aromatic complexity, and immediate approachability while maintaining classical structure and aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone, graphite tension, and dark fruit depth, Merlot softens the palate with plush texture and generosity, Cabernet Franc adds lift and floral spice, while Petit Verdot contributes subtle color, grip, and savory edge. A textbook expression of modern-classic Pessac harmony.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with cedar, graphite, cocoa nib, tobacco leaf, crushed gravel, and subtle floral lift. The fruit feels vibrant and pure with beautifully integrated oak and savory mineral nuance.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with finely polished tannins and excellent balance between freshness and density. Silky entry, energetic mid-palate, and a long, clean, gently savory finish. Elegant rather than massive, delivering precision and drinkability without sacrificing depth.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, duck breast, mushroom-based dishes, herb-roasted poultry, aged hard cheeses, and classic French bistro fare. Equally rewarding with refined meals or elevated casual cooking.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of Pessac that keeps you reaching for another glass, delicate yet layered, polished yet expressive, and dangerously easy to enjoy young. Immediate gratification today, with the structure and balance to reward cellaring down the road. A beautiful testament to classical Pessac elegance done right.

Did You Know?
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is known for its gravel-rich soils in Pessac-Léognan, which drive freshness, mineral tension, and aromatic lift in both red and white wines, helping maintain balance even in warmer vintages. — a day ago

Jan de Weerd

9.0

We had the battle of the Shiraz at our family gathering over Christmas. A Shiraz from South Australia and South Africa. Both 2016. This Shiraz, despite from the Adelaide Hills where I think it is a little cooler, was very rich, very bold and broad and a slight jammy note on the edge perhaps. People liked it, but all the votes when for the Shiraz of Cederberg from South Africa. Fun!!! — a month ago

with Tammy

KP

9.8

Vibrant color. Wow, it’s like the Little Red Riding-hood porridge of wine. Not too dry, bold, acidic, long, short or tannic. Just right! Absolutely delicious. Would absolutely buy again and one of the best wines I’ve had in a long time. — 2 months ago