Château Smith Haut Lafitte white - Pessac-Léognan 2014

Vinous

93-96 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

A real head-turner, the 2014 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is all about texture, silkiness and polish. All the elements come together in a gracious, supple wine that captures the personality of the year in its interplay of seamless, richly-layered fruit and explosive energy. Hints of pear, white stone fruits, jasmine and mint meld into a finish of incomparable finesse.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

The wine pops with sweet citrus, honeysuckle and vanilla notes. Ripe, zesty with fresh citrus and a lingering touch of honey and vanilla bean in the finish make a nice impression. From a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the wine reached 13.7% alcohol with a pH of 3.2. 94 Pts

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2014 is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% each of Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris matured in 50% new oak. Curiously, it seems less expressive than the Le Petit Haut Lafitte and Les Haut de Smith at the moment. This is very taciturn in comparison but leaving it aside for 10-15 minutes it finally reveals chalk and oyster shell scents. The palate is fresh on the entry with crisp acidity and sharp citric fruit, but it feels quite linear on the finish, does not really deliver the knock-out punch that other vintages deliver. Hopefully it will muster something more to say throughout the remainder of its barrel maturation.

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/23/2015

90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Sémillon. 
Very rich, full and broad. Good acidity and undertow. Melons and grapefruit flavours but with a strong mineral element and the substance to develop. 

Asian Palate

94 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015

This is a great vintage for Smith Haut Lafitte white with focused flavors that are intense and quite concentrated on the palate. Flavors are intense, long on the finish with fresh acidity - all essential elements for long term aging.

Decanter.com

18 / 20

byJane Ansonthe4/17/2015

Highly successful across both colours in 2014, this has so much character and grip that there is still plenty to love. Firm varietal definition, but with a touch lower acidity than some whites in this vintage as picked late to balance acidity levels. Great persistency, lots of pleasure ahead. Drink: 2017-2030 (93)

Jamessuckling.com

95-96 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015

This is a phenomenal young white with wonderful depth and finesse. Amazing aromas and flavors of lavender, lemon peels, sliced apples, lilacs and minerals. Full body, intense fruit and a long, long finish. Superb depth and intensity.

timatkin.com

95 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/7/2015

René Gabriel

18 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

Wine Enthusiast

96 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015

95–97. Barrel Sample. This is a finely fruity wine—all tangy acidity, crisp lemon and stone fruit. The wood aging shows in the notes of toast and burnt spice. It should all integrate well as it develops into a seriously ageworthy wine.

Wine Spectator

94-97 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/30/2015

This crackles with energy, while a mix of white peach, yellow apple, Chartreuse,
chamomile and green plum notes all mix together. The finish is still coiled up, but
there's range and length here to spare.