Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2022, Pessac-Léognan

Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is widely regarded as one of the finest white wines produced in Pessac-Léognan, and the 2022 vintage is considered among the most successful the estate has ever made. Planted across 11 hectares, the white vineyard is predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by small parcels of Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon. The 2022 growing season was warm and dry, yet the estate harvested at optimal ripeness, preserving the freshness and tension that define this wine's signature style. It is likely to overtake the 2019 as one of the most successful white wines the estate has produced to date.

The property has been owned by Florence and her late husband Daniel Cathiard since 1990, under whom it has risen to become one of the most consistently acclaimed producers on the Left Bank for both red and white wines.

Today we see the younger generation take more control with their 3 daughters directly involved in the Chateau activities across skincare (Caudelie) wellness and wine production. 

The estate farms sustainably across its 78-hectare vineyard and operates its own cooperage, producing around 70% of its own barrels. The 2023 vintage has drawn scores of up to 95 points from leading critics and is considered one of the strongest expressions of this wine in recent years, with a drinking window running through to 2040.