Wines Pessac-Léognan Smith Haut Lafitte - Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2021 is an elegant dry white, produced by the esteemed Château Smith Haut Lafitte in the renowned Pessac-Léognan appellation. This cuvée is typically a blend dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by Sémillon and a hint of Sauvignon Gris, showcasing the estate’s commitment to precision and finesse. The 2021 vintage, marked by a cool and challenging growing season, lends the wine a vibrant tension, with expressive aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, subtle stone fruit, and a touch of smoky minerality—an imprint of the estate’s classic barrel fermentation and careful lees ageing. The palate is lively yet layered, delivering both freshness and a refined creamy texture, characteristic of the château’s white winemaking style.

Pessac-Léognan, situated just south of Bordeaux city in the Graves subregion, is famed for producing some of Bordeaux’s finest dry whites as well as structured reds. The vineyard soils here are a unique mix of deep gravel, sand, and clay, which provide excellent drainage and encourage aromatic complexity and minerality in the wines. The climate is temperate and oceanic, tempered by pine forests, with marked differences between vintage conditions that allow for distinct expressions each year. This part of Graves boasts a long viticultural heritage, with estates such as Smith Haut Lafitte dating back centuries and contributing to the region’s celebrated reputation.

For food pairings, Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2021 naturally complements refined seafood dishes—think grilled langoustines, seared scallops with lemon butter, or a fillet of turbot. It also shines alongside poultry with a light cream sauce, asparagus risotto, or regional staples like oysters from the Arcachon Bay. The wine’s bright acidity and subtle oak presence work beautifully with herb-infused dishes and goat’s cheese, particularly from the nearby Pyrenees.

To enjoy this wine at its fullest, serve it chilled at 10-12°C. A short aeration in the glass will help reveal its delicate aromatic complexity, making it an ideal companion for both aperitif and gastronomic pairings. This fresh vintage may be enjoyed young for its vibrancy or cellared a few more years for additional complexity.