Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Smith Haut Lafitte - 2005

Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2005 hails from the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation within Graves, Bordeaux, and is revered for its elegance and complexity. The wine is crafted using a blend that generally features a majority of Sauvignon Blanc completed by Sémillon, a combination typical of the region, though proportions can vary from vintage to vintage. The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by favourable weather, allowing for optimal ripening and a fine balance of freshness and richness. Vinified with great attention, Château Smith Haut Lafitte is renowned for a deft use of oak, which imparts refined toasty notes while preserving the freshness of the fruit.

Pessac-Léognan occupies some of the best gravelly soils of Graves, which are ideal for both white and red Bordeaux. The terroir, composed mainly of deep gravel atop a mix of clay, sand, and limestone, gives whites an intense aromatic complexity and a distinct mineral touch. The region benefits from a mild, temperate climate, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, lending wines their hallmark freshness and vibrancy. With a winemaking history stretching back centuries, Pessac-Léognan is especially noted for producing some of Bordeaux's finest dry whites, distinguished by their age-worthiness and unique character.

This white Bordeaux is especially food-friendly. Its aromatic profile—ranging from citrus and white peach to gentle hints of smoky, nutty oak—pairs beautifully with a variety of seafood, such as scallops in beurre blanc, turbot, or oysters from the Atlantic coast. It can also complement richer dishes like roast chicken with tarragon or veal in a light cream sauce. Traditional local pairings include monkfish with fennel or a shellfish risotto, where both the freshness and depth of the wine come to the fore.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine lightly chilled, ideally between 10 and 12°C. Decanting for half an hour may help the wine to express its full aromatic complexity, especially as the wine has now developed tertiary notes with maturity. Enjoy it in a medium to large glass to appreciate both its subtlety and breadth.