Lunch with Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2013

Went for lunch at the lovely Mahala restaurant on Calea Rahovei, a place I recently discovered and immediately fell in love with its food. The place is owned and run by the former chef from Casa di David and focuses on Romanian food. Excellent cooked. It was a family lunch and we celebrated the birthday of a dear person.

Had this great Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2013 that was decanted for about 30 minutes before being poured in the glass. The wine has a medium yellow gold color. Nose is intense and layered, filled with rich aromas of tropical fruits: mango, papaya and passion fruit, lemons and luxurious oak. Same story on the palate, abundant layers of yellow fruit mixed with smart oak and butterscotch, with lovely vibrant acidity and a perfect Pessac-Leognan sense of place. Long fruity and floral finish that lingers. (93-94/100)

Paired this wine with pumpkin flowers filled with Romanian “urda” cheese as appetizer and sea bass as a main course.