Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte - Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte blanc 2013

JAMES SUCKLING: "Dense yet agile Smith with dried apple, lemon, aniseed, and gunpowder aromas and flavors. Some stones too. Full body, very racy and fine. 90% savuignon blanc, 5% sauvignon gris and 5% semillon. Drink or hold."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This has a gorgeous feel, with opulent fruit offset by racy herb notes and acidity, showing lemon sherbet, shortbread and white peach flavors backed by a salted butter— and tarragon-laced finish, with hints of talc and fennel skitter in the background. Seriously long and still a touch youthful on the finish, this is one for the cellar. Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon. Best from 2017 through 2023."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2013 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc offers a payload of grapefruit, guava and melon aromas that are beautifully integrated with the oak. The palate is fresh and vibrant, very harmonious with a hint of sour lemon that complements that subtle tropical tone. It slips down the throat with ease, completing a gorgeous white Bordeaux. If you are intent on buying just one wine in this off-vintage, this is the one I would load up on." Drink 2016-2030

WEINWISSER: "Intensives, reifes Bouquet von Ananas, weissem Pfirsich, Vanille und minzigen Konturen, zeigt eine schöne Nasenfülle im Ansatz. Saftiger, seifiger Gaumen, die Säuren sind integriert und der Wein hat so jetzt schon viel Charme, endet mit viel Pfirsichtouch. Gehört zu den grossen Jahrgängen dieses sehr populären Weines." Drink 2016-2025

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "One of the richer textured white Bordeaux wines of the vintage, the flamboyant, vanilla, spice, pineapple, white peach, meyer lemon and grapefruit aromatic display is completed with the display of luscious, white fruits and slightly honeyed, citrus in the finish"

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2014 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc doesn’t have the weight of it younger brother, yet is still gorgeous on all accounts. Caramelized limes, citrus oil and exotic floral notes all emerge from this fresh, lively 2014 that has good concentrated and notable acidity. I love its texture, it’s impeccably balanced, and should cruise for a decade or more, although there’s no harm drinking today."

DECANTER: "Deep colour, slightly smoky cassis nose, nice density of fruit but 2013 greenness is there."