2016 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc (Pessac)

The Smith-Haut-Lafitte 2016 Blanc is the classic blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon, picked from 12 to 24 September and matured in 50% new oak. It has a complex bouquet with citrus fruit, peach skin, lemon curd and a touch of lanolin that unfolds wonderfully in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with a touch of wild honey on the entry. There is a spicy vein to this white Pessac-Léognan with a dab of ginger enlivening the refreshingly feisty finish. Bon vin! 93-95 points

This grips you from the first moment, a significant and striking jump up in quality when you get to this grand vin, representing 55% of white production. Rich and controlled, this fills out on the-mid palate with lime and lemon zest, then floods it with gentle saffron spicing and grilled almonds, full of the SHL signature richness and control. Stephane Derenoncourt and Michel Rolland both consult. 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris. 94 points

Year in year out, this is close to the top of any line-up of white Bordeaux. The oak integration, as ever, is very stylishly done, adding note of toast and nutmeg to the tangy, complex, appealingly stony, pink grapefruit and pear-like wine beneath. 2018-26 96 points

The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a deep, powerful white that seems to bring together the richness of a warm vintage with the freshness and energy of a cooler year. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. The 2016 is powerful and phenolic, with terrific overall balance and tons of personality. The lemon peel, grapefruit, slate and white flower overtones are brisk and mouthwatering in the glass. The 2016 Blanc is without question one of the most promising whites of the vintage. Tasted two times. 92-95 points