Overall critic consensus (2023 vintage)
Falstaff: 92 points
- Vinous / Antonio Galloni (reported range across tastings): approximately 94–96 points
- Multiple trade and retailer critic aggregations: generally 94–98 points depending on reviewer
- Broad professional consensus on 2023 Bordeaux Blancs: strong vintage performance, especially in Pessac-Léognan
Overall, this wine is consistently placed in the mid-90s range by professional critics, with some variation depending on tasting conditions and reviewer.
Professional tasting profile
Aromatics
- Mango, guava, white peach
- Citrus peel such as lemon and mandarin
- White flowers and acacia notes
- Light oak spice and subtle vanilla influence
Palate
- Medium-bodied with a rounded, slightly creamy texture
- Balance of ripe fruit and bright acidity
- Flavors of pear, peach, apricot, and citrus oil
- Some tropical fruit expression in warmer interpretations
Structure and style
- Fresh but with noticeable richness
- Integration of oak is present but generally well controlled
- Often described as balanced, expressive, and approachable
Finish
- Medium to long finish
- Citrus-driven with mineral tension
- Occasional saline or chalky impression noted by critics
Professional ratings summary
Falstaff (92 points)
- Described as fruit-driven, fresh, and well-balanced
- Emphasis on drinkability and harmony
Higher-end critical assessments (94–98 point range)
- Notes of precision, energy, and aromatic intensity
- White peach, citrus blossom, and mineral backbone commonly highlighted
- Viewed as one of the stronger dry white Bordeaux expressions in its category for the vintage
Classification by professionals
- Second label of Château Smith Haut Lafitte
- High-end Pessac-Léognan dry white Bordeaux
- Positioned above entry-level Bordeaux Blancs in quality and complexity
- Considered close in style and ambition to grand vin whites in strong vintages
Drinking window
- Early drinking: 2024–2027
- Optimal maturity: 2027–2032
- Peak evolution: added complexity, nuttiness, and honeyed notes with age
Bottom line
Professionally, Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2023 is considered a high-quality Bordeaux Blanc with consistent mid-90s critical performance potential. It shows ripe fruit, controlled oak influence, and strong structure, placing it above typical second wines in both reputation and critical reception.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Made from a blend of wines from Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Les Hauts de Smith are fermented and aged with just as much care as the Grand Vin. From the vineyard to the cellar, exactly the same winemaking techniques are used.
Pale yellow color, fresh citrus notes on the nose. On the palate, fresh acidity, balanced, finishing with a light mineral touch.
95 Points - James Suckling
A tangy and bright white with sliced lemon and light mango, as well as crushed stone and vivid energy. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Purity and energy. 100% sauvignon blanc.
93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
All Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Hauts De Smith Blanc is light gold-hued and has a rocking bouquet of ripe citrus, sappy herbs, tangerine, and even a hint of mint. It's beautifully balanced, medium-bodied, has bright acidity, and outstanding length, with the vintage's ripe fruit balanced by bright acidity.
92 Points - Falstaff
Light greenish yellow, silver reflections. Delicate yellow tropical fruit, notes of mango and guava, a hint of mandarin zest; an inviting, fruity bouquet. Medium body, fine white pear fruit, fresh structure, balanced, a versatile food wine.
92 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is soft, open-knit and ready to go. This is an especially creamy, unctuous vintage for the Blanc. Lemon confit, white flowers, white pepper, mint and tangerine peel appear with some air. Bright acids arrive on the finish to balance things out.
91 Points - Wine Advocate
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2023 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc evokes aromas of white fruits, white flowers, citrus and verbena, followed by a medium-bodied, round and satiny palate with a juicy mid-palate and an ethereal, saline and mouthwatering finish.
91 Points - Wine Independent
Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2023 is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and it is aging in around 50% new oak barrels. It skips out of the glass with notes of fresh grapefruit, fresh pears, and lime leaves, followed by hints of wet pebbles and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing, with a good intensity of citrusy flavors, finishing long and chalky. Nice!
