Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Bordeaux, France
Smith Haut Lafitte, a renowned estate in Bordeaux, has a rich history that dates back centuries. In the 14th century, Verrier Du Bosq signed the first recorded deeds for a few vine rows on the property. Later, in the mid-18th century, George Smith, a Scottish wine merchant, acquired the estate and named it after himself.
The estate’s reputation soared when Lodi Martin Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux and a signer of the official 1855 classification, acquired it in 1842. Under his ownership, Smith Haut Lafitte was elevated to the esteemed status of Grand Cru Exceptionnel.
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In 1958, the négociant firm Eschenauer, led by the renowned “Uncle Louis” Eschenauer, purchased the château after selling Smith Haut Lafitte wines for many years. The property remained in the Eschenauer family until the 1990s when Daniel and Florence Cathiard fell in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
With a strong commitment to upholding the estate’s tradition of excellence, the Cathiards acquired Château Smith Haut Lafitte in 1990. Their philosophy is centered on making each vintage of red and white wine worthy of the magnificent terroir. After renovating the estate, the Cathiards moved in, residing in the 18th-century chartreuse, originally built during George Smith’s era, and dedicated themselves to overseeing winegrowing with the help of a talented and motivated team.
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Central to the Cathiards’ approach is their interest in nature and the preservation of the environment. They strive to harvest the best fruit while preserving the soil and adopting a sustainable, long-term perspective. Over the past three decades, they have developed their Bio-Precision philosophy, combining traditional and innovative techniques in the vineyard and cellar. This commitment has led to their certification as an organic estate, resulting in wines of greater purity and intensity.
The estate’s dedication to nature extends beyond organic practices. For nearly 10 years, they have incorporated biodynamic principles into their viticultural practices, utilizing medicinal herbs like yarrow, horsetail, and tansy to prevent vine diseases. The vineyards are surrounded by woodland, orchards, and beehives, promoting biodiversity. In a further demonstration of their commitment, they have recently planted trees in the heart of the vineyards, further integrating nature into their winemaking.
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In addition to their traditional viticultural methods, Smith Haut Lafitte embraces state-of-the-art technology. Satellite images, drones, and detailed soil surveys are utilized to closely monitor the ripeness of the grapes. This data allows them to harvest in small batches, optimizing the quality of the grapes.
Smith Haut Lafitte stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of history, tradition, and innovation. With their unwavering commitment to nature and their pursuit of excellence, the Cathiards have propelled Château Smith Haut Lafitte to new heights, producing exceptional wines that reflect the estate’s unique terroir and their deep-rooted values.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte's Wines
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