Château Smith Haut Lafitte
A Grand Cru Classé de Graves estate in Pessac-Léognan owned by the Cathiard family since 1990, renowned for both its structured red and its benchmark Sauvignon-led white.
About Château
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the standout estates of Pessac-Léognan, with roots reaching to 1365 when vines were first planted on the gravelly Lafitte plateau. The Scottish merchant Georges Smith bought the property in 1720, adding his name and building the manor. After ownership by Bordeaux notable Duffour-Dubergier and later the Louis Eschenauer firm, Daniel and Florence Cathiard acquired the estate in 1990 and transformed it through heavy investment, organic conversion, and biodynamic practices, on-site cooperage, and meticulous winemaking led by Fabien Teitgen. The 67-hectare vineyard produces both a powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon–led red and a small quantity of one of Bordeaux's most acclaimed dry whites, built on Sauvignon Blanc. Classified a Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Smith Haut Lafitte is celebrated for its quality across both colours and its luxury wellness sister property, Les Sources de Caudalie.
Flagship wines
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
- Les Hauts de Smith
Editorial notes
Rare among Bordeaux estates for excelling at both red and white; the white is highly sought after and made in small quantities. The red rewards cellaring.