2023 Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc

Aromas of sliced apples, Asian pears, crushed stones and hints of lemon blossoms, honeysuckle and lime zest. Medium- to full-bodied with such energy and purity, and just the right hints of cream, yogurt and cooked apples. Tense and flavorful, with a phenolic touch at the end and a salty undertone. Impressive balance. Weightless and long. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% sauvignon gris and 5% semillon. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. (12/2025)

One of the bigger, richer wines in the vintage, the light gold-hued 2023 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc offers up a killer nose of orange blossom, honeyed citrus, toast, spice, and minty flowers. It's medium to full-bodied and has a richly textured, layered mouthfeel, bright acidity, and a great finish. It's probably the white of the vintage. (05/2024)

A blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the white 2023 Smith Haut Lafitte is aging in 50% new oak. After a swirl or two, it prances out with gregarious notes of white peaches, fresh pineapple, and green mangoes, opening out to underlying hints of lime blossoms, wet slate, and fresh ginger. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and vivacious, with a racy backbone and a long, exotic fruit-laced finish. Yum! (05/2024)