Wine Critic
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Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc Pessac-Leognan (Minimum order: 6 bottle case) FUTURES 2025 Pre-Arrival
Vintage Notes
The 2025 vintage is defined by extreme climatic conditions. Following a mild and dry winter that led to early budbreak, a warm and humid spring significantly accelerated vine growth while increasing downy mildew pressure. From late May onwards, a prolonged period of hot and dry weather set in, marked by several heatwaves with peaks reaching up to 42°C. The months of June, July and August were among the driest recorded since 1992. These conditions resulted in early water stress, promoting concentration in the grapes while preserving remarkable levels of acidity, supported by cool nights.
Producer Tasting Notes
A very fresh and expressive nose, with notes of citrus (grapefruit, mandarin), yellow fruits (peach, apricot), complemented by floral and aniseed nuances. A dynamic and ample palate, combining richness and tension, with beautiful energy and great purity. A long, saline and vibrant finish, supported by remarkable freshness.
Critic tasting notes: (2025 vintage)
"Bright aromas of sliced apples, pears and lemons, with some acacia and flint. Vibrant. The palate is dense and tight, with so much chalk and oyster shell character. Extremely long and pure, with vivid energy at the end. Sharp and driven by acidity. pH 3.2. A blend of 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon and 5% sauvignon gris." - James Suckling (98-99/100)
"Light greenish yellow, silver reflections. Fresh herbs, a hint of pear and melon, yellow gooseberries, delicate wood spice, candied grapefruit zest, underlaid with white flowers, multi-faceted bouquet. Complex, powerful, mineral, white stone fruit, salty aftertaste, some blossom honey, has great length, sure maturity potential." - Falstaff (97/100)
"White peaches, orange rind, pineapples, pears, flowers, and a delicate touch of herbs form the aromatic profile. The palate shines with its opulent, sweet, ripe, white peaches, and creamy-textured pineapples. The wine blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris. 13.5% ABV, 3.25 pH. Harvesting took place August 24 - September 2. Drink from 2027-2038." - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (96/100)
PRESENTATION
The sophisticated bouquet of Smith Haut Lafitte's white wines is renowned worldwide.
TERROIR
The terroir has such a strong character that it gave its name to the region: “Les Graves.” These gravelly soils consist of a layer of alluvial, sandy, and stony deposits laid down on a Tertiary limestone subsoil by the turbulent rivers and glaciers of the early Quaternary period, which were subsequently eroded into a ridge. At Smith Haut Lafitte, the soil consists of one of the rare thick, ochre-colored Gunzian gravel ridges, characterized by its high iron oxide content. This soil is ideal for viticulture because it is well-drained, very poor in nutrients, warm on the surface, yet retains a certain coolness and moisture at depth (clay or limestone).
WINEMAKING
Following hand harvesting in small crates and inert pressing, fermentation takes place in French oak barrels (40% new oak) after cold static settling.
AGEING
12 months on the lees in barrels (50% new and 50% previously used for one vintage) from our own on-site cooperage.
VARIETALS
Sauvignon Blanc 90%, Sauvignon Gris 5%, Sémillon 5%.
13.0% vol.
TECHNICAL DATA
Yield: 18 hL/ha
Age of vines: 39 years old
AGEING POTENTIAL
10–15 years.
