Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

A chateau with ancient history dating back to 1365 and with connections to the French Valois royal family and a Scottish navigator, Georges Smith, who added the “Smith” to the name in the 18^th century. But the modern history started in 1990, when Daniel and Florence Cathiard (Daniel, a former Olympian skiing champion) acquired the estate. They fully restored the estate and vineyards, converting the vineyards to organic farming (certified from the 2019 vintage) with some biodynamic practices used as well. They established and on-site barrel cooperage and have, altogether, made every possible effort to be as sustainable an operation as possible.

With Cru Classe de Graves status for the red wine, Smith Haut Lafitte has 55 hectares of vineyards located directly east of Ch Haut-Bailly. The Grand Vin is usually a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The white wine is mainly Sauvignon Blanc, with a touch of Sauvignon Gris and Semillon, and is consistently one of the best white wines in the area.

Daniel and Florence’s daughter, Alice Toubier Cathiard, runs a luxury hotel and spa – Les Sources de Caudalie – which is located in the middle of the vineyards. Other daughter, Mathilde, along with her husband, Thomas, run the skincare range ‘Sources de Caudalie’ which is made from recycled grape seeds and vine cuttings, while also being a member of 1% for the planet.

This is one of the best Bordeaux vineyards to visit – also with a ten-hectare open air museum (the walking trail “Forest of the Senses”) which is dotted with contemporary artworks, mainly by Bordeaux artists – and meanwhile, the Cathiards never lose any focus.

We offer the following Pessac-Leognan from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte:

• Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
• Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc