Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, 2021, 75cl

The 2021 Blanc has developed gracefully since en primeur, delivering attractive aromas of ripe pear, peach, lime tree leaves, verbena and mint intertwined with mineral, smoky nuances. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, with a broad attack and fleshy mid-palate, it exhibits compelling purity and tension, concluding with a saline, mint-inflected finish. It has the potential to improve in the cellar over the next decade or more.Yohan Castaing , Wine Advocate

This has so much blossom honey and white flowers with limes and other citrus. Stone and mineral undertones. Subtle passion fruit. A truly complex and great nose. Full-bodied and compact with fruit, phenolics and fresh acidity. Just a touch of sea salt. Very long and persistent. If you close your eyes, it’s like a great red wine. One of the best whites ever to come from here. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Pale yellow, green hints, silver reflections. On the nose, subtle wood savouriness, nuances of gooseberry, mango and passion fruit, a mineral note, floral hints and a touch of candied mandarin zest. Textured and elegant with fine fruit expression, finesse-rich acidic structure, well balanced and subtle notes of caramel and pineapple on the persistent finish. Already approachable, a multi-layered food wine with length and definite ageing potential.

One of the wines of the vintage when retasted in bottle, and it’s absolutely singing now. A deliciously slow build through the palate, mouthwatering with white pear, quince, brioche, salted cracker, sage, graphite, and a ton of restrained citrus. The texture opens to show a creamy, gourmet and irresistable side. Harvest September 2 to 20, 50% new oak for ageing. Once again proving that this is one of the standout whites of France, from Daniel and Florence Cathiard.