Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Classification: Grand Cru (Graves Classification 1959)
Château Smith Haut Lafitte was owned by the noble Bosq family who grew grapes there as early as 1365. The Château is south of the city of Bordeaux in the commune of Martillac on a gravelly plateau named Laffite. The Château was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith, who gave the estate its present name. He also built the manor house and exported his – by now famous – wine to England on his own ships. It was bought in 1990 by former Olympic skiing champion, Daniel Cathiard. He invested heavily in the Château and fully modernised the wine making facilities, restoring buildings and constructing a new 2000 barrel cellar. Cathiard has also established a luxury hotel, a Michelin star restaurant and a wine-therapy institute at the château. The whole domaine has enjoyed spectacular progress since Cathiard purchased it.

The vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte are located in a single block on a gravelly rise which covers 138 acres. The high content of gravel in the soil aids drainage and also reflects the sun's rays which helps to ripen the grapes. Both red and white grape varieties are grown in the vineyard. The red vines are 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The white vines are 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris.

Wine Style
The red wines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte are medium bodied, well structured, well rounded and soft in style with gentle tannins and moderate acidity. The wines have flavours of ripe blackberries, liquorice and toasted oak.

Owner: Daniel and Florence Cathiard (also own Château Cantelys)
Château Website: www.smith-haut-lafitte.com
Oenologist: M Rolland / S Derenoncourt