Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2015

Incredible intensity thanks to almost no lees stirring and no cold soaking, instead vinified on the limit of reduction – they now only stir the lees when the reductive aromas are threatening to go too far. Instead they focus on harvest date and a short but firm pressing. Whatever they are doing, it works. Huge length, sweetness, tension and density; it gives you a lovely salinity on the finish, and always that Smith Haut Lafitte flourish. This truly stands out among the 2015 whites. From a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blan, 5% Sauvignon Gris (on gravelly soils) and 5% Semillon.

A beautiful white with pretty density and richness. Bright and clear with intense aromas and flavors of lilacs and stones. Some violet. Full and bright. Firm phenolic tension. Bright acidity.

I was able to taste the 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc twice and it showed beautifully on both occasions. Based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc and the balance Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris, aged in plenty of new wood, this ripe, sexy 2015 knocks it out of the park with its citrus oil, caramelized lemons, tangerine and honeysuckle aromatics. This palate doesn’t lose a beat either and is full-bodied and concentrated, with vibrant acidity and blockbuster length. I’d drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years, yet I suspect it will keep longer. It’s in the top 2-3 whites of the vintage.

Composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the Smith Haut Lafitte 2015 Blanc has an incredibly compelling nose of ripe apricots, passion fruit, honeyed lemons and crushed stones with a hint of lime blossoms. Medium-bodied, super intense and super minerally, the palate sings of stone fruit and citrus layers with plenty of zip and zing, finishing with incredible persistence, alluring fruitiness and a savory contrast that will keep you reaching for another glass.

In 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is rich, sumptuous and incredibly inviting, with no hard edges and fabulous balance. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2015 retains a good bit of freshness. Naturally, the 2015 leans toward the richer end of the spectrum in 2015, yet all of the signatures are very much in place. The aromatics aren't fully expressive. It will be interesting to see what time brings.

Bright and vivid pale gold in colour, still keeps its vibrancy at 10 years old. This is gorgeous, just so delicious and enticing, juicy, gripping, heads to tertiary white pepper and truffle but maintains tension and forward motion, just deepening through through the mlid palate. Love it.

The 2015 Smith Haut-Lafitte Blanc has a very tightly wound, laconic bouquet that needs a lot of coaxing to reveal crushed stone and hints of yellow fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a superb bead of acidity. Full of energy and tension, there is a lovely touch of spice that lingers on the finish. This is on par with the excellent Domaine de Chevalier Blanc.