About the Wine

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is a Grand Cru Classified Château from Graves. The story of this estate dates back to the 14th century when George Smith, a Scottish wine businessman, acquired the estate and renamed it after him.

The property passed through the hands of different owns, but it was in 1990, with the acquisition of Daniel and Florence Cathiard, that this winery finally exploit its potential, and became synonymous with premium, high-quality wines in Bordeaux, and as Wine Spectator said, “rejuvenated into one of Bordeaux’s elite properties.”

The Cathiard family are wine legends in the business. They own 5 different Châteaux in Bordeaux, and recently acquired Flora Springs in Napa Valley. They say their "philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: to do everything possible to make each vintage of red and white wine worthy of its magnificent terroir.” 

Since 1990, the 200-acre vineyard has been managed under sustainable and organic practices. In 2019, the estate was organic certified and started to implement biodynamic viticulture.

This Château owes its reputation as “the quintessential tomb” to the smoky notes of its wines and its mountainous terroir, made up of the river and semi-precious stones deposited by the Garonne millions of years ago. 

Le Petit Haut Lafitte is Smith Haut Lafitte’s second wine.The grapes to produce this superb wine comes from The Chai Furtif’s vineyard. This second wine is crafted with the same care and respect as its older brother, the Grand Vin. From the vineyard to the cellar, all the production techniques are identical. 

Aging: 14 months in French oak barrels (20 % new)

Tasting Notes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Deep and dense. The nose expresses an elegant blend of red and black fruits, cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant with some aromatic herbs notes. The palate is rich and concentrated with good acidity and nice tannins. Aromatic and delicate with fresh fruits, eucalyptus, dry herb notes, and a lovely floral touch. An amazing wine that will pair beautifully with red meat, BBQ, and grilled vegetables. 

Reviews

Beautiful aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, and dark chocolate. Some hot stones. Full-bodied, dense, and chewy yet polished and juicy. Shows pretty length and density. Very clean and focused. Precise. Better in 2021. ~94 James Suckling.

Dark ruby ​​garnet, violet reflections, delicate lightening of the edges, blackberries, dark cherries, a fine touch of cassis, some precious wood, and spices. Firm, firm tannins, pleasant dark berry fruit on the finish, persistent and mineral notes, good potential for development. ~91-93 Falstaff.

The 2015 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is another terrific wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon speaks with authority. Black cherry, leather, earth, licorice, and grilled herbs are all laced together, but it is the wine's pure power and structure that stand out most. Readers should plan on cellaring 2015 for at least a few years, as it is far from an easygoing second wine. ~92+ Vinous Media.

~92 Tim Atkin.

Juicy and open in feel, with bramble, cassis, and blueberry coulis flavors that drape easily over light tobacco and singed vanilla notes. Pulls together on the finish and shows latent length. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. ~90 Wine Spectator.

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot coming from the younger vines of Smith Haut Lafitte, the 2015 Le Petit Haut Lafitte sports a medium garnet-purple color and alluring crushed red currants, black cherries, and spice box-laced nose with touches of cloves and lavender. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful generosity and plenty of spice, the open-for-business flavors are well-supported by plush tannins, and it finishes with a peppery lift. ~90 Robert Parker. 

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