Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2016

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Tasting Notes

The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc offers a complex, intoxicating bouquet of grapefruit, mirabelle and Japanese yuzu infused with crushed stone; touches of strawberry develop in the mouth. The palate is very well balanced and full of tension, and the lip-smacking acidity is very well judged. Very focused and brimming with energy right to the finish, when you request "more, please." Divine.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2045 01 January 2019

The Smith-Haut-Lafitte 2016 Blanc is the classic blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon, picked from 12 to 24 September and matured in 50% new oak. It has a complex bouquet with citrus fruit, peach skin, lemon curd and a touch of lanolin that unfolds wonderfully in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with a touch of wild honey on the entry. There is a spicy vein to this white Pessac-Léognan with a dab of ginger enlivening the refreshingly feisty finish. Bon vin!

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2021-2040 28 April 2017

The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is impressive, but also very closed today. That should not be much of an issue in a few years' time, but readers should not plan on opening bottles any time soon. Today, the 2016 impresses for its depth and mineral-infused explosive energy. There is real depth to the grapefruit, lemon peel and floral flavors, but patience is essential. (94+)

Score: 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2028 01 January 2019

The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a deep, powerful white that seems to bring together the richness of a warm vintage with the freshness and energy of a cooler year. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. The 2016 is powerful and phenolic, with terrific overall balance and tons of personality. The lemon peel, grapefruit, slate and white flower overtones are brisk and mouthwatering in the glass. The 2016 Blanc is without question one of the most promising whites of the vintage. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 - 95

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 25 April 2017

This grips you from the first moment, a significant and striking jump up in quality when you get to this grand vin, representing 55% of white production. Rich and controlled, this fills out on the-mid palate with lime and lemon zest, then floods it with gentle saffron spicing and grilled almonds, full of the SHL signature richness and control. Stephane Derenoncourt and Michel Rolland both consult. 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris.

Score: 94

Decanter, - Maturity: 2020-2040 25 April 2017

90 Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, with ageing in 50% new oak. Ripe crisp nose with hints of pear, peach and citrus. Full-bodied but racy with an array of tropical fruit in the middle and a long fresh finish. 2016 is characterised by complex ripe fruits harvested in patience day by day, taking the same amount of time to harvest the white grapes as the red grapes (6 times bigger).

Score: 94 - 96

Albany Vintners, - 19 April 2017

A dense and powerful white with wonderful depth and phenolic tension. Shows very pretty sliced-apple, lemon and pear character. Excellent finish. 90% sauvignon blanc with the rest semillon and sauvignon gris. Excellent follow-up to the 2015.

Score: 96 - 97

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 04 April 2017

Bright and engaging, with a nice crackle of fleur de sel along the edges of the salted butter, white peach and chamomile core. There's a flash of shortbread on the finish, but it hangs well back for now. Really good freshness for the vintage.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 03 April 2017