2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
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Tasting notes
Mostly Sauvignon Blanc yet with 20% Sémillon, the 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a more serious white with a focused, medium-bodied, chiseled style that, truthfully, has a lot in common with the Grand Vin from this incredible château. Crushed citrus, ripe grapefruit, sappy herbs, and notable minerality all define the aromatics, and it's balanced, has high yet integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's going to keep for a decade and should be snatched up by savvy readers.
Critic scores
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc upturned all expectations and gained my highest score from barrel. Now in bottle, it has a delectable bouquet, beautifully defined with nuanced scents of white peach, nectarine, fern and light touches of white flowers. The palate is well-balanced with a killer line of acidity and hints of oyster shell, finishing with a twist of bitter lemon. Superb.
The 2021 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc is a stellar wine that very much captures both the style of the year and the house style. Airy and gracious, with striking, understated depth, the 2021 is light on its feet and incredibly sublime. Crushed rocks, white pepper, mint, slate and citrus peel build into the pure, crystalline finish.
A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon that matured in 50% new oak barrels, the 2021 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc exhales a spicy, elegant bouquet with aromas of lime tree leaves, verbena, spring flowers and citrus oil. Medium to full-bodied, round and satiny, it’s fleshier than Les Hauts de Smith with gastronomic bitterness on the finish.
About the producer
Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan today – all thanks to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, who took over the property in 1990 and have since transformed the estate, converting to biodynamics and crafting wines of increasing finesse.