Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2020

Founded in 1365, this Grand Cru Classé owes its reputation as "the quintessential Graves" and characteristic smoky notes to its sloped terroir containing semi-precious stones such as quartzite and angatoid.

Since purchasing the estate in 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard have comrnitted themselves to bio-precision practices which combine innovative viticultural and winemaking techniques, with great respect for the vines, soil, and environment.  Organic farming using biodynamic methods and without chemical inputs contributes to the unique expression of the terroir, resulting in elegant, complex, powerful and well-balanced wines.

Estate tours are available 7 days a week and include a visit to the cooperage, 1,000-barrel underground cellar, gravity-flow vat room and Forest of the Senses land art trail featuring monumental art works (booking required).

(Credit: Château Smith Haut Lafitte)

"The 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak, 50% new, within which it will age for 12 months on lees with bâtonnage before spending a further two to three months in tank. It prances out of the glass with vivacious notes of lime blossoms, Golden Delicious apples and green mango, plus hints of coriander seed, shaved ginger and wet pebbles. The medium-bodied palate possesses lovely harmony even at this nascent stage, featuring bright apple and citrus flavors with soft acidity and a chalky finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (5/20/2021), Ratings: (94-96)+, Drink: 2025-2037