Intense, attention seeking notes of lemon, lime, flowers and stone open to a wine with depth, richness and concentration. The wine is long, fresh, plush and polished with plush textures and a mélange of citrus and mineral sensations. There is a purity to the sweet fruits that remain on your palate for close to 40 seconds.

The 2010 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is drinking brilliantly, with a mature yet still fresh and vibrant style. Crushed citrus, mint, honeyed lime, and mandarin orange zest all emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated, layered dry white Bordeaux. It blossoms with time in the glass, has beautiful mid-palate depth and concentration, and a remarkable sense of freshness and precision. Readers looking to understand what truly great, mature Bordeaux Blanc is all about should seek this beauty out. I love it today, yet suspect it will evolve for another 10-15 years.

This is even better than the 2007, which was great. I love the racy and complexity to this young white with honey, apple pie, tropical fruits and hints of vanilla cream. It’s full and very rich yet balanced and structured. Lovely backbone of bright acidity. About 90% Sauvignon Blanc with the rest in Sauvignon Gris and Semillon

A stunning Bordeaux blanc with depth and gravitas, this has taken on a bit more weight and texture than the more youthful 2013. Fabulous aromatics lead onto a broad, elegant white peach and pear palate. This has been brilliantly constructed with supporting oak and a long, dry mineral finish. Very complete and composed.

A stunning wine with hints of pineapple, caramelized citrus, mandarin oranges, smoky figs and hazelnuts, this is a full-bodied, rich, superb white Graves from the Cathiard family. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.

A stunning Bordeaux blanc with depth and gravitas, this has taken on a bit more weight and texture than the more youthful 2013. Fabulous aromatics lead onto a broad, elegant white peach and pear palate. This has been brilliantly constructed with supporting oak and a long, dry mineral finish. Very complete and composed. Drinking Window 2016 - 2033
Tasted by John Stimpfig (at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter, Shanghai, 26 Nov 2016)

A stunning wine with hints of pineapple, caramelized citrus, mandarin oranges, smoky figs and hazelnuts, this is a full-bodied, rich, superb white Graves from the Cathiard family. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #205 Feb 2013

(92-95 pts)
Another phenomenal wine from the Cathiards, this rich 2010 exhibits lemon custard, melon, tropical fruit and a touch of smoky oak. It should last 20+ years.

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. The Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte Blanc has a comparatively subtle bouquet with peach skin and nectarine scents, nicely defined but perhaps needing a little more vigour. The palate is a little simple compared to its peers, more backward and reticent, with green apple and shaved ginger towards the somewhat conservative finish. This is ageing beautifully in bottle - one of the finest Bordeaux whites of the vintage. Tasted January 2014.

A step ahead of the pack, with a lovely caressed feel and a toasted macadamia nut frame to the large core of yellow plum, straw and verbena notes. Offers a gorgeous feel on the finish. Long. —J.M.

Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan (37hl/ha) [90SB/5SG/5SM] Dense and vital and rich to smell; ample, elegant proportions; very vivid, dry, and savoury to taste, ripe but not ‘sweet’ (as quite a number of dry white Bordeaux seem this year); surprisingly rich yet with a tension and precision provided by the acidity and with a clear minerality of aromas as well, and great length. Lovely, harmonious SHL white, ripe and generous but precise and fresh too. 2014-24+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2011]

90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Sémillon. Fermentation in barrel, 50% new oak from integrated cooperage, 50% in barrel used once. Aged 12 months on the lees with regular bâtonnage.
Really quite toasty on the nose, even a hint of ginger and apricot. Broad and flavourful on the palate and still elegant. The oak has turned into really complex flavours, even some orange, and there’s still terrific freshness. Great length.
Julia Harding MW - tasted Nov 2015