As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith-Haut-Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith-Haut-Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

The 2023 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc is a standout Bordeaux Blanc from the esteemed Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Smith-Haut-Lafitte, this white wine is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, and 5% Semillon, and is aged in 50% new oak barrels. This vintage has garnered high praise from several professional reviewers for its complexity, structure, and depth.

James Suckling awarded this wine a near-perfect score of 98 points, noting its "complex and structured" nature. He highlighted its unique texture, comparing it to a red wine due to its "velvety tannin structure," and emphasized the presence of spice, crushed seashell, and citrus blossom. Suckling concluded with praise for its "weightless and so long" finish (jamessuckling.com).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Yohan Castaing, gave a score of 96 points. Castaing described the wine as having "aromas of white fruits, crisp orchard fruits, spices, smoke, spring flowers, and pear." He complimented its medium to full-bodied nature, with a "fleshy core of fruit and racy acids," and a "mineral, fresh and long finish highlighted by delicate notes of thyme and garrigue" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).

Vinous' Neal Martin, who rated the wine 97 points, appreciated its "reticent bouquet" that opens up to reveal "orange pith, peach skin, wild fennel, and light pressed white flower scents." Martin praised the wine's balance and creamy texture, likening its finish to that of a Corton-Charlemagne, a high compliment for a white Bordeaux (Vinous).

Jane Anson also rated this vintage 98 points, stating it is "right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver." She noted its "structured, fleshy white peach and pear," and "creamy texture," deeming it a "brilliant wine" and a must-buy (janeanson.com).

Jeff Leve, scoring it 95, mentioned aromas of "orange cream, flowers, vanilla, pomelo, ginger, green apples, and pineapple." He highlighted its juicy, creamy texture with "sweetness and balancing acidity," ensuring a lengthy and lifted finish (TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Jeb Dunnuck, giving it 97 points, described it as "one of the bigger, richer wines in the vintage," with notes of "orange blossom, honeyed citrus, toast, spice, and minty flowers." He praised its richly textured, layered mouthfeel and bright acidity (jebdunnuck.com).

The Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown rated it 96 points, finding it "satiny and vivacious" with a "long, exotic fruit-laced finish" and notes of "white peaches, fresh pineapple, and green mangoes" (The Wine Independent).

Decanter also awarded 96 points, noting its "strong aromatics" and "expressive side with herbal accents." The review highlighted a "good body full of fruit, freshness, and honey characters," making it "succulent and sumptuous with salinity" (Decanter).

Overall, the 2023 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc is a highly acclaimed wine, characterized by its complexity, balance, and rich texture, making it a notable choice for white wine enthusiasts.