Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc Pessac-Léognan 2016

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The white of the vintage is the 2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. It’s a magical elixir based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, and 5% Sémillon that was brought up in 50% new oak. Deep, layered, and powerful, yet also vibrant, it has sensational notes of crushed citrus, liquid rock, white flower, lime pith, and honeyed grapefruit. It shows the classic, balanced style of the vintage yet offers thrilling depth and concentration and is a tour de force in white Bordeaux. Drink it any time over the coming two decades. Get it if you can! Drink: 2019-2039. (2/28/19)"

97 points James Suckling: "Fabulous aromas of white-peach pie, lemon, grapefruit and cream. Complex. Full-bodied, dense and linear. Bright and creamy texture. Gorgeous grace and complexity. Lasts for minutes. (2/3/19)"

96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The Smith Haut Lafitte 2016 Blanc is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon matured in 50% new oak. It reveals gregarious pineapple and green guava notes giving way to tantalizing fresh grapefruit and green apples scents plus wafts of orange blossom, crushed rocks and honey drizzled peaches. Medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous satiny texture, the palate is jam-packed with tropical and citrus flavors, finishing long and deliciously savory. Drink: 2020-2037. (Nov 2018)"

96 points Panos Kakaviatos (Decanter): "One of Bordeaux’s finest dry whites. With a refined palate, subtle oak, perfect balance of luscious lime fruit and fresh acidity, this is beautifully constructed. Intense, with a touch of pepper on the palate and a hint of lanolin, this will age beautifully. Drink: 2020-2035. (May 2019)"

96 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is well defined on the nose of apple blossom, orange pith, Japanese yuzu and light crushed stone aromas, one of the prettiest and most harmonious dry white aromatics you will find in this vintage. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a lovely waxy texture. Very expressive Sémillon here, delivering great depth and reassuring complexity on the finish. This is an outstanding effort. Brilliant. Drink: 2022-2045. (Aug 2020)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "This rich, full wine shows intense spice, fruits and a ripe texture that is nearly fully developed. A hint of tanginess emphasizes the richness of this powerful wine that brings in bits of spice and minerality. Drink now. Alcohol 14%. (Mar 2020)"

94+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is impressive, but also very closed today. That should not be much of an issue in a few years' time, but readers should not plan on opening bottles any time soon. Today, the 2016 impresses for its depth and mineral-infused explosive energy. There is real depth to the grapefruit, lemon peel and floral flavors, but patience is essential. Drink: 2021-2028. (Jan 2019)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "This has a showy persona, with an alluring brioche note emerging already, carrying friendly creamed yellow apple, white ginger and pear flavors. The finish lets macadamia nut and verbena accents glide in seamlessly. The finish is long and refined thanks to well-buried acidity. Best from 2021 through 2029. 1,833 cases made. (3/31/19)"

94 points Peter Moser (Falstaff) (5/24/17).