{"product_id":"les-hauts-de-smith-blanc-2018","title":"Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 'Les Hauts de Smith' Blanc 2018","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eChâteau Smith Haut Lafitte, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, France, traces its origins back to the 14th century. The estate’s name combines “Smith,” from Scottish navigator George Smith who acquired the property in the 18th century, and “Haut Lafitte,” referring to its elevated gravelly terrain. In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard purchased the château, ushering in a renaissance through sustainable and biodynamic viticultural practices. Their commitment to quality and innovation has solidified Château Smith Haut Lafitte’s reputation as a premier Bordeaux estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Winemaker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eUnder the ownership of the Cathiard family, Château Smith Haut Lafitte has flourished. The estate’s Technical Director, Fabien Teitgen, oversees winemaking operations. Teitgen’s philosophy emphasizes expressing the unique terroir of the estate, balancing traditional methods with modern innovations. His meticulous approach ensures that each wine reflects the character and quality synonymous with Château Smith Haut Lafitte.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Microclimate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eLes Hauts de Smith Blanc is sourced from vineyards characterized by arid sand and gravel atop clay and limestone soils. This unique terroir is conducive to growing white grape varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The 2018 vintage experienced a warm growing season, leading to ripe fruit with balanced acidity. The vineyard’s microclimate, influenced by its elevation and soil composition, contributes to the wine’s minerality and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSauvignon Blanc: Predominant varietal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSémillon: Minor component\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe grapes for Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2018 were harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve aromatic intensity. Fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and varietal character. The wine underwent aging on fine lees with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to enhance texture and complexity. A portion of the wine was aged in oak barrels to impart subtle oak nuances, balancing the vibrant fruit flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eNot explicitly stated in the available sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eLes Hauts de Smith Blanc 2018 displays bright, yellow citrus aromas intertwined with juicy green apple notes. The palate is smoothly textured, featuring a line of citrus and apple flavors. Subtle wood-aging flavors support the fruit, adding richness and pleasure. The wine’s vibrant acidity and minerality contribute to a refreshing and balanced finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis wine pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. Its bright acidity and citrus notes complement seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or seared scallops. The subtle oak nuances and smooth texture make it a suitable match for creamy poultry dishes or soft cheeses like Brie. Additionally, its freshness can balance richer dishes, providing a harmonious dining experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFor optimal enjoyment, serve Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2018 chilled at around 10-12°C (50-54°F). Using medium-sized white wine glasses will concentrate the aromas and enhance the tasting experience. The wine does not require decanting; however, allowing it to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can help in expressing its aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eLes Hauts de Smith Blanc 2018 is enjoyable in its youth but also has the potential for further aging. When stored in optimal conditions—a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures—the wine can develop additional complexity over the next 3 to 5 years. As it matures, expect the fruit flavors to evolve, integrating more seamlessly with the subtle oak characteristics, offering a nuanced tasting experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p5\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e: 94 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: 91 points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Advocate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: 90 points\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OMY Cellar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922410750166,"sku":null,"price":348.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/LesHautsdeSmithBlanc2018.jpg?v=1773670297","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/les-hauts-de-smith-blanc-2018","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}