Smith Haut Lafitte-One of Bordeaux's most storied Chateaus

With a history that dates all the way back to the 14th century and centuries of recognition for excellence, it’s safe to say that Smith Haut Lafitte has become an established producer of some of the very finest wines to be produced in Bordeaux.Since 1990, the property has been under the care of the Cathiard family who’ve undertaken the renovation of the property and conversion to organic and carbon-neutral production. Since 1993, all of the barrels used on the property have been made and toasted by the full-time cooper that’s on staff. Since 2013, gravity instead of pumps, has been the means of moving wine from one part of the winery to another. The goal for all of these changes has been summed up quite simply by the Cathiard family’s motto: “Do everything possible to make each vintage of red and white wine worthy of our magnificent terroir.”

Tonight we’ll be tasting and learning about this extraordinary estate in Bordeaux as well as their new project in California - Cathiard Vineyard, where the principles they hold dear are applied to the terroir of Napa Valley’s Rutherfod and St Helena AVA’s. Incredibly delicious and timeless, these are wines of polish and poise and we’re excited to be featuring them here in the shop. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

2023, Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan Blanc, Bordeaux, France $62.00/$52.70

Mostly Sauvignon Blanc yet with 20% Sémillon, the 2021 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a more serious white with a focused, medium-bodied, chiseled style that, truthfully, has a lot in common with the Grand Vin from this incredible château. Crushed citrus, ripe grapefruit, sappy herbs, and notable minerality all define the aromatics, and its balanced, has high yet integrated acidity, and a great finish.

2020, Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan Rouge, Bordeaux, France $52.00/$44.20

A more structured, serious wine, the more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte has pure cassis and ripe black cherry fruits as well as medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, classic notes of leafy tobacco and spice, and a great finish. Structured and serious but also there's lots of life with great acidity and a mouthfilling crushed stone texture. Truly delicious with a distinct outward freshness.

2014, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France $130.00/$110.50

They have so nailed the "full extraction without making it obvious" trick at this property. Clearly high oak and firm tannins but rich, enrobed, black coffee and rich damson fruit that will age well. Fine tannic structure, but with the slightly glamorous house style, the Mouton of Pessac-Léognan. The vibrancy and integrity of the fruit from their biodynamic/organic work in the vineyard is very clear.

2021, Cathiard Vineyard, “Hora” Red Blend, Napa Valley, California $92.00/$78.20

Cathiard Vineyards "Hora" Red from Napa Valley blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, sourced primarily from benchland blocks and aged in oak for 14 months. A combination of gentle extraction, whole berry ferment, and the addition of Malbec provides lifted aromatics on a stunning, compact, and precise wine that exudes pure blackberry and black currant fruit aromas laced with cedarwood spices. Fine tannins and pronounced mid-palate depth create a wonderfully seamless mouthfeel, leading with saline-tinged blackberry