Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2023

Blend

90% Sauvignon blanc, 5% Sauvignon gris, 5% Sémillon

Wine designation

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, White, 2023
Category: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Food pairing

Fish and shellfish are the perfect accompaniments for this wine. It can also be served with seafood, poultry and vegetables.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan

2023

Tasting notes

The wine is pale yellow in colour. The nose is already expressive, with great complexity combining notes of ripe fruit , crystalline citrus notes and more delicate and elegant spicy and floral notes. The attack on the palate is dense and broad, with a very good texture and superb creaminess. Then the palate stretches out, supported by the good acidity, to a long and brilliant finish. The balance between softness and freshness is quite incredible, with the mouthfeel, volume and creaminess perfectly balanced by the beautiful freshness. This finely tuned acidity shapes the wine. On the palate, an explosion of fruit, then the aromas become more complex, more elegant, more sophisticated.

Vineyard

Vineyard size: 55 hectares, including 8 for white wines.
Soil composition: Quintessential Graves with river stones or Günz gravel.

Winemaking

Fermentation container: Fermentation in French oak barrels and cold settling.
Maceration technique: Regular stirring of the Lees for 12 months
Aging: Barrel – 50% new + 50%previously used for onevintage made on-site at the estate’s own cooperage
12 months – 50% new barrels
Type of oak: French
Winemaker: Fabien Teitgen
Consulting œnologist: Michel Rolland

Heritage in the vineyard

Domaine

First established in 1365, then purchased by Scottish navigator and wine merchant, George Smith, who would re-name the Château after himself. Elevated to Grand Cru Exceptionnel status in 1842. In 1990, the estate was purchased by Daniel and Florence Cathiard, they have elevated Smith Haut-Lafitte to among the leading great growth of Bordeaux.

Green in the vineyard

Environmental practices

Becoming certified organic in 2019, having applied many biodynamic practices for many years. Growing herbs on-site including yarrow, horsetail and tansy to use for decoctions. A strong philosophy to combine traditional with innovative technics in the vineyard.