Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte - Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte blanc 2009

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Smith-Haut-Lafitte hit a home run with their red Pessac-Leognan and came very close to perfection with their dry white Graves. Possibly the best dry white the estate has produced since the proprietors, the Cathiards, acquired the property in 1990, this wine exhibits a sensational fragrance of buttered citrus, honeyed melons and a touch of grapefruit, lemon zest and orange rind. It also displays grapefruit on the attack and mid-palate as well as real opulence, terrific acidity and length. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. Astonishing!"

DECANTER: "As with many 2009 clarets, this is much more flamboyant than its 2010 sibling and provides a completely different flavour profile. Here the fruit is more ripe cherry with spice, cocoa and mocha. Sumptuously rich and voluptuous, this low acid wine has fine, silky, fluid tannins. This has power and personality in abundance and is almost entering its drinking window. However, the best is still yet to come."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fully mature, the wine sings its song of flowers, slightly honeyed, yellow citrus, vanilla bean, crushed rock and pomelo with little effort. Rich, lush and fully ready for its prime time showing, if you have been waiting for this gem to come around, your wait is over. Pop a cork and enjoy the ride."

FALSTAFF: "Feine Holzwürze, mineralisch, feuchte Steine, rotbeerige Nuancen, reife gelbe Tropenfrucht. Saftig, gute Komplexität, feine Kräuterwürze, Orangenschalen, feines Säurespiel, ausgewogen, gut anhaltend, zitroniger Touch im Abgang."