2020 Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc

A strong effort, the 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc wafts from the glass with aromas of nectarine, pear, lemongrass, Sauvignon botanicals, toasted bread and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with ripe acids and chalky structuring extract. It's not quite as vibrant and precise as the 2019, but it's a success nonetheless. ~ (94) William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 4-6-2023

~ (95) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 12-1-2022

~ (94) Neal Martin, Vinous 12-1-2022

Aromas of grapefruit, melon, ripe apple, and lemon. Lots of lemon curd as well. Full and layered with plenty of fine phenolics. Energetic and vivid. Minerally and lightly chewy at the end. From organic grapes. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% sauvignon gris and 5% semillon. ~ (97) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 3-29-2023

Richer and more spicy on the nose than Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2021. The oak showing in a mealy creaminess. Deep and complex in both texture and sour-citrus leesy flavour. Intense and so fresh. Great length, chewy finish. ~ (17.5) Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com 10-11-2023

Lastly, and pure perfection in white wine, the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon that was aged in 50% new oak. This massively rich, concentrated, powerful white offers a heavenly nose of honeyed flowers, orange marmalade, lemon grass, and toasted bread, with a building sense of salinity and minerality that shows on the finish. Drink this stunningly rich, layered, concentrated 2020 over the coming two decades. ~ (100) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 3-29-2023