2019 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
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Tasting notes
An impressive white from a great château, the 2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc has bright citrus, mandarin orange, and honeyed flower notes in a medium-bodied, rounded, supple, textured style that's hard to resist. Mostly Sauvignon with a small amount of Semillon, it has some chalky mineral notes on the palate, and this up-front, textured white is going to shine on the dinner table. It will keep for 3-4 years.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
A blend built around 20% Sémillon and rather riper Sauvignon Blanc, the 2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc exhibits aromas of crisp stone fruit, lemongrass, pastry cream and smoke, followed by a medium to full-bodied, textural and fleshy palate that's layered and lively, concluding with chalky grip. It's a more serious, gastronomic wine than the entirely Sauvignon Les Hauts de Smith Blanc.
The 2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc has a lively bouquet that displays more mineralité than I remember from last year, very well defined and revealing apple and orange blossom scents with aeration. The balanced palate delivers fine depth and a touch of tangerine and fresh grapefruit, leading to a poised, persistent finish. Excellent.
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.