Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2015 (1.5L)

96+ WA / 96 WS / 96 JD / 96 DE / 95 AG / 94 WANM / 96-97 JS 

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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

Piercing and pure, with vibrant honeysuckle and chamomile flower notes followed by grapefruit, lemon and white peach flavors. The finish ripples with energy, while fleur de sel and gooseberry accents fill in. Terrific length. Best from 2019 through 2029. 2,500 cases made. - James Molesworth, Wine Specator

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. - Jeb Dunnuck

This is a great white wine, although not quite up to the standard set by the red in this vintage. It starts fairly undemonstratively, but it quickly builds in power, density and texture, and the salinity on the finish gives a welcome kick. It has grip and flesh, with peach juice and nectarine flavours. Currently undergoing biodynamic conversion. - Decanter

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. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The Smith-Haut-Lafitte 2015 Blanc has a very subtle, nuanced bouquet at first that demands more coaxing, but eventually it offers lovely citrus peel, linden, wet stone and yellow flower scents that gather momentum with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with beautifully integrated new oak. It is a more discrete style of Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc compared to recent vintages, a wine that will repay those with the patience to give this two or more years in bottle. Very sophisticated. Anticipated maturity: 2022 - 2035. - Neal Martin

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. James Suckling