Le Petit Haut Lafitte Sauvignon Blanc Pessac 2015

For centuries, locals in a small corner of Pessac Leognan have followed a singular tradition to appoint apprentice winemakers. While coveted, the apprenticeship comes with responsibility, and those chosen have no say. The position is decided by fate.

Every five years, youths gather outside the vineyard to file past the Master of Ceremonies. As they pass, an ancient beret once worn by the region's most esteemed vigneron is placed upon their head. Tiny as he was, the beret is generally too small. But, each time the beret drops snuggly on a bonce a new apprentice is proclaimed. As they say, raising a glass, "if the Haut Lafittes, wear it!"

Grapes for this white wine are hand-picked into small crates before being pressed in an oxygen-free environment, so as to best preserve the aromatic potential of the fruit. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new oak, after a cold settling of the juices. Created during the blending process of Chateau Smith Haut Lafite, Le Petit Haut Lafite is vinified and aged with the same care as the Grand Vin. All the production techniques for these two wines are identical from vineyard to the cellar.

Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc Pessac has a clear and brilliant yellow colour with an open nose that expresses complex citrus and apricot notes. The influence of the two varietals is evident on the palate with the freshness and dynamics typical of a Sauvignon Blanc, associated with a roundness that is provided by the Semillon.