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An emblem of the Graves and later of the Pessac-Léognan AOC (created in 1987), Château Smith Haut Lafitte traces its roots back to the 14th century, when the merchant Verrier Du Bosq acquired his first plots on a terroir already renowned for its winegrowing potential.
Then, in the 17th century, the estate took a first qualitative leap when George Smith, a Scottish merchant, acquired the property. He then gave the château its current name, and it gradually became a key figure in Bordeaux wine. The wines were then exported to England.
In 1842, the estate passed into the hands of Lodi Martin Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and signatory of the famous 1855 Grands Crus classification. He actively contributed to the development of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, elevating it to the rank of "Exceptional Grand Cru". Even at that time, the red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and the estate's first white wines were recognized for their structure, freshness, and aromatic depth.
Even today, symbols reflecting this past adorn the château's bottle labels: the three branches represent George Smith's three children, the fleurs-de-lis recall the Verrier Du Bosq family, and the crescent of the Port de la Lune is the emblem of the city of Bordeaux.
The beginning of the 20th century marks a new stage in the history of the estate with the involvement of Maison Louis Eschenauer, a renowned wine merchant. The company then ensured the international distribution of the château’s wines, before officially becoming the owner in 1958. Thanks to rigorous management and a focus on quality, the red wine Smith Haut Lafitte continued to gain increasing recognition, while the white cuvées, often made from Sauvignon Blanc, attracted enthusiasts with their purity and elegance.
In the 1980s, the estate passed into the hands of MAAF. During this period, unfortunately, the vineyard did not benefit from the same level of attention or a long-term vision.
Finally, the major turning point arrives in 1990, when Florence and Daniel Cathiard fell under the spell of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Determined to bring new life to this jewel of Bordeaux wine, the couple undertook major renovations, modernized the infrastructure, restored the 18th-century chartreuse, and introduced a production philosophy focused on sustainability and excellence. The Cathiards also invested in clean viticulture and precision winemaking.
Within two decades, Château Smith Haut Lafitte once again became a model of success: a respected Classified Growth, an estate at the forefront of environmental practices, and a key player in promoting the great wines of France. Today, every bottle from the château, whether purchased individually or by the case, embodies the meticulous care given to the estate’s 80 hectares of vineyards.The quality fully justifies the prices, especially since stocks remain limited in the face of sustained international demand.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte now shines far beyond the Pessac-Léognan appellation, embodying the highest quality standards of Bordeaux wines, both for its structured reds and its whites of great finesse.
To produce great Bordeaux wines that are both powerful, elegant, and true to their terroir: this is the ambition of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. The estate stands out for its constant pursuit of excellence, from the vineyard to the bottling process.
The red wines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte are renowned for their aromatic intensity, their silky tannic structure, as well as their impressive aging potential.
The cuvées are mainly made from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blends. Cabernet Sauvignon, the king grape of Médoc and Pessac-Léognan, brings structure, aromatic intensity, and longevity. Merlot, rounder and silkier, provides suppleness and fine tannins. Together, they create complex red wines, often characterized by notes of ripe black fruits, cedar, sweet spices, and blond tobacco.The Grand red wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte also stands out for its balance between power and finesse. The second wine, meanwhile, is of a very high level and is distinguished by a more indulgente approach, to be enjoyed in its youth and within 10 years.
But be careful, the estate is not limited to reds. The Smith Haut Lafitte white is also a benchmark of the appellation and of Bordeaux. Mainly made from Sauvignon Blanc, with a touch of Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris, this great white wine seduces with its tension, minerality, and the richness of its aromas. Lively notes of citrus, white-fleshed fruits, white flowers, and fine woody and indulgentes touches appear on the palate. This is a cuvée combining freshness and complexity, with a beautiful length on the palate that confirms its status as a great white wine of Pessac-Léognan.The second white wine of the estate is also a marvel, retaining the characteristics of the first wine, with more indulgent precision, while remaining very complex and intense. A must-discover!
Thanks to this demanding work, each bottle of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, whether red or white, expresses the personality of the vintage and the richness of the terroir. The wines, available individually or by the case, attract discerning enthusiasts and collectors from around the world, captivated by the consistent quality of the estate.
All the cuvées have been certified organic since the 2019 vintage, further enhancing the authenticity of these great wines from Bordeaux and Pessac-Léognan. Whether you are looking for a Grand Cru red wine for cellaring or a superb white wine to enjoy right away, Smith Haut Lafitte offers a complete range of refined wines, available in stock on our online store at competitive prices. Enjoy your tasting!
Would you like to acquire a great Bordeaux wine combining prestige, consistency, and elegance? On our website, you have the opportunity to purchase wines from Château Smith Haut Lafitte with ease, with real-time updated availability and access to a very carefully managed stock.
We offer you the estate's wines by the bottle or by the case, according to your needs and preferences.Whether you are looking to enrich your personal cellar or to offer a great red wine or an exceptional white wine, you will find with us a suitable solution for all your projects.
From the Grand Cru red to the second white wine, each bottle of Château Smith Haut Lafitte is stored with us in optimal conditions until it is shipped: stable temperature between 12 and 14°C, no direct light, and humidity between 70 and 80% are guaranteed! Our logistics partners also ensure fast and secure delivery, throughout France and internationally, in order to preserve the integrity of the wines until they arrive at your door.
We also offer competitive prices on the château’s iconic cuvées.Please note, however, that some bottles of Smith Haut Lafitte red or white are available in limited quantities: it is therefore advisable to check their availability! Whether you choose a case of 6 bottles or a single bottle purchase, you benefit at La Cave Éclairée from excellent value for money as well as a high-level service. We are also at your disposal to guide you in choosing the vintage, check stock availability, or even organize a specific delivery for an event. Giving or treating yourself to a Château Smith Haut Lafitte means choosing an essential Grand Cru Classé, renowned for its consistency, elegance, and unique signature in the Pessac-Léognan landscape.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte red and white differ primarily in their grape varieties: the red is mainly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Petit Verdot. The white, on the other hand, is based on a blend dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, accompanied by Sémillon and a small proportion of Sauvignon Gris.
These varietal differences naturally result in two very distinct styles. The red offers powerful, structured, and deep wines, built for aging, with aromas of black fruits, spices, and cedar.The white, for its part, stands out for its freshness, tension, and aromatic complexity, blending citrus, exotic fruits, white flowers, and smoky notes.
In terms of winemaking, both colors benefit from extreme care: manual harvesting, plot-by-plot vinification, and aging in barrels, many of which are new, but with a balanced approach tailored to each style. Finally, although the reds have historically enjoyed a strong reputation, the whites of Smith Haut Lafitte have carved out a special place among the Bordeaux elite, to the point of now being among the most sought-after in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
At La Cave Éclairée, bottles of Château Smith Haut Lafitte are available individually or by the case upon request. We ship via UPS and Chronopost; however, we do not deliver in the original wooden case.
Absolutely! The château offers guided tours of the estate all year round, including the cellars, cooperage, vineyard, and technical facilities. These tours often end with a guided tasting of several red and white wines. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high tourist season in Bordeaux.
At La Cave Éclairée, we offer competitive prices and exclusive deals on a selection of Château Smith Haut Lafitte vintages. You can also take advantage of temporary promotions, whether by the bottle or by the case.
All the wines we present are in actual stock in our warehouse. Delivery is handled by carriers specialized in wine, ensuring appropriate and secure handling. You will receive your bottles in reinforced packaging, with order tracking.
Yes, since the 2019 vintage, the entire estate has been certified organic. This applies to both red and white wines. This approach is part of a global philosophy of respect for the terroir, biodiversity, and sustainable quality.
The Pessac-Léognan terroir is characterized by its deep gravel soils, composed of pebbles, gravel, and sand deposited by the Garonne, resting on a clay-limestone subsoil. This well-drained and warm soil promotes optimal ripening of the grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon.The temperate oceanic climate, slightly warmer than in the north of the Médoc, also allows for the production of excellent dry white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. This unique combination of gravelly soils, mild climate, and a perfect balance between red and white gives Pessac-Léognan a distinctive character within the Bordeaux vineyard.
To preserve their quality, it is recommended to store the bottles horizontally in a cellar at a stable temperature (ideally between 12 and 14°C), protected from light and vibrations. A room with high humidity (70-80%) is also highly recommended. Proper cellaring conditions allow both red and white wines to gain in complexity over several years.
The recent vintages such as 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 are particularly noted for their balance and their typical expression of the terroir. However, each vintage brings its own personality and Château Smith Haut Lafitte is very rarely disappointing!
The red wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, rich in Cabernet Sauvignon and tannins, pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, game, as well as saucy dishes such as confit or beef bourguignon. It can also enhance certain aged cheeses.
The fresh and mineral white wine from the estate, made from Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with seafood, fish in light sauces, poultry, or even fresh goat cheeses. A real treat!
As you will have understood, whether you are passionate about classified growths or simply curious to discover an exceptional estate from Pessac-Léognan, Château Smith Haut Lafitte deserves your attention. The wines from the property guarantee you moments of great emotion. Discover the entire selection available in stock and reserve your bottles of Château Smith Haut Lafitte on our website now!
