2012 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
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Tasting notes
Very clean on the nose with prominent grassy notes and plenty of depth. Quite full bodied with some oiliness of texture and plenty of juicy, succulent fruit. Balanced, concentrated and delicious. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
FINE+RARE
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting. The 2012 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc has an intense bouquet with mint-fresh Granny Smith apple scents, quite exotic compared to its peers, greengage and gooseberry, a touch of tinned apricot. The palate is crisp and fresh on the entry with lime and gooseberry notes, the acidity well judged, a healthy veneer of new oak, but it is totally in sync with the fruit. Give this 4-5 years for everything to fully assimilate and you will have a splendid white Bordeaux. This is pure nectar. Tasted January 2016.
The 2012 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a supple, immediate wine. Pear, quince, white flowers, slate and mint all meld together in an effortless, gracious wine to enjoy now and over the next few years. Today the 2012 comes across as a bit one dimensional and not as complex nor complete as the very best years, and yet it is absolutely gorgeous, a testament to just how privileged this site is.
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.