Racy power, mineral brilliance, and contemporary mastery

Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Château Smith Haut Lafitte spans 78 hectares of contiguous vineyards, with 67 ha in red and 11 ha in white. Since 1990, it has been owned by the Cathiard family, who have made it one of the most dynamic estates in Pessac-Léognan. The style combines power, tension, and a brilliant fruit from a perfectly valued deep gravel terroir.

Terroir & grape varieties

The perfectly draining Günzian gravel soils rest on a clay-limestone base. The red grape varieties consist of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The white is predominantly planted with Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by a bit of Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris.

Viticulture & vinification

The estate is managed using organic farming with biodynamic practices. Vinifications are parcel-based, carried out in a gravity-fed winery. The red is aged between 16 and 18 months in barrels, about 60% of which are new. The white is gently pressed, vinified in barrels, and aged on lees for 12 months.

Iconic cuvées

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  Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge: structured, spicy, elegant, and deep, it ages remarkably over 20 to 30 years.

  
  
  
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  Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc: vibrant, floral, and saline, it is one of the greatest dry whites of Bordeaux.

  
  
  
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  Les Hauts de Smith (red & white): refined and accessible second wine.

  
  
  
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  Le Petit Haut Lafitte: more concentrated profile, perfect for export.

  
  
  
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  Rosé “Les Hauts de Smith”: elegant and fruity press rosé.

  
  
  

Production: 110,000 bottles;

Area: 67ha (red), 11 ha (white);

Average age of the vines: 30 years;

Red grape varieties: 55% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot;

White grape varieties: 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% sauvignon gris, 5% sémillon;

Best vintages: 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000.