Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé de Graves 2013

Lemon yellow, slightly floral fruits, very good weight, length and complexity to come out.

This is still very young with taut, elegant fruit and a touch of savoury lemon sherbet on the nose. In the mouth, this boasts sweet pear, quince and citrus with a delicious touch of toast and oatmeal. Long and savoury, with a tingling acidity.

The 2013 shows slight aromas of oxidation with quince, apricot, citrus and flower hints. The palate is moderately weighted, tense and elegant, with a long and fresh finish. To be consumed right away.

What a treat to taste a Bordeaux white at 12 years old, and from 2013 which tends to be written off as the reds fared worse than the whites. This was full of honeyed brioche elements with lovely preserved lemon touches, nuts, caramel and a hint of toast. Such a long-lasting, saline-touched finish with clear complexity, layers of flavour and finesse. Feels like a great time to drink this.