CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE LE PETIT HAUT LAFITTE BLANC 2022

Crafted with identical care as the celebrated Grand Vin in Château Smith Haut Lafitte's innovative energy-plus Stealth Cellar, the 2022 Le Petit Haut Lafitte white demonstrates the Cathiard family's unwavering commitment to quality even in their second wines. This harmonious blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon, hand-harvested at a modest 23hl/ha yield, undergoes oxygen-free pressing to preserve delicate aromatics before fermenting in French oak barrels (50% new). Fabien Teitgen's meticulous winemaking process includes 10 months of lees aging with bâtonnage in barrels crafted at the estate's own cooperage, creating exceptional texture and complexity. The resulting wine captures the essence of Pessac-Léognan's Günz gravel terroir through its distinctive minerality, while offering remarkable depth with stone fruit expressiveness and medium-bodied richness. A beautiful introduction to the Smith Haut Lafitte signature style – where precision viticulture and environmental stewardship combine to create wines of both power and elegance.

Vinous (92-94/100): The 2022 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc is a jewel of wine. Bright, focused and finely cut, the 2022 bristles with energy and tension. The blend is 80% Sauvignon and 20% Sémillon, done in a style that is all about energy. Citrus peel, almond, chamomile, dried flowers and herbs all race through to the finish.

Wine Advocate (91-93/100): A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon, the 2022 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc is a solid effort, exhibiting aromas of peach, pear and smoke with flinty notes. Medium-bodied, charming and fleshy, it has racy acids, a delicate tannic sensation and a long, delicate core of fruit (lemon oil) with a penetrating finish.