THE PRODUCER
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 18th 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.

THE WINE
Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is sourced from vineyards surrounding the chateau and
with an average vine age of 38 years. The blend varies with vintage conditions
but usually includes 90% Sauvignon Blanc, with the remainder Semillon and
Sauvignon Gris. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels and is followed
by ageing for 12 months on the lees in barrels – 50% new and 50% one year old –
from the estate’s own cooperage.

A dynamic white Bordeaux, with multi-layered complexity and heightened aromatic
expression, Smith Haut Lafitte has a smooth texture and a long saline and
citrusy finish. It is consistently one of the best white wines in the area. A
refreshing, if occasional, alternative   to white Burgundy. Definitely one to
try.

INFORMATION
Type:WhiteVintage:2021Country:FranceRegion:BordeauxSub region:Pessac-Leognan
Grape:90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon & 5% Sauvignon GrisStyle:Green and Flinty
Sweetness:DryABV:14%Drinking window:2024 - 2036Size:750mlFood match:Meaty and
Oily FishCRITICS SCORES
We choose our wines based on a range of criteria(seehow we choose our wines)of
which critic scores is justone. Rather than simply highlight the best score to
promote a wine, our average critic score is calculated from the scores provided
by several respected wine critics, who we follow for specific regions. They do
not represent all critic scores and, wherever possible, we try and give more
weight to more recent reviews. Where appropriate we consider market-based scores
like Global Wine Score or Wine Searcher Average scores.

As a rule, we look to offer wines that achieve a92/100average critic score or
better and frankly a lot of very good wines simply don’t make the cut. As a
high-end provider we want to reflect that positioning in the quality of wines we
offer. Such wines are only a tiny fraction of those generally on offer in the
market. We believe that an average score is a more conservative and
representative approach, but it is still subjective and only offered as a guide
to our customers, who will (and should) do their own research. We will add
individual critic scores to our website in the future.