Les Hauts de Smith Pessac-Léognan 2016 - Second vin

Martillac’s flagship property, renowned for the quality of its facilities and its commitment to wine tourism, featuring the superb Sources de Caudalie resort (a 5-star hotel and spa, and La Grand’Vigne, a restaurant with two Michelin stars), Smith Haut-Lafitte is also a pioneering estate in its category for its viticultural philosophy, which Daniel Cathiard describes as “bio-precision,” with the goal of combining the best of nature with the best of science. Florence and Daniel Cathiard, who acquired the estate in 1991, can be proud of the work accomplished across the 78 hectares of vineyards. Respect for the terroir, precision in winemaking, an on-site cooperage, and dynamic communication: in just a quarter of a century, the Cathiards have firmly established themselves as legends in Bordeaux! The wines have found their true personality: gone are the days of excessive oak; they are now refined, perfectly expressing their terroir and brimming with energy. Hauts-de-Smith and Le-Petit-Haut-de-Smith receive the same care and attention as the grand vin, and it shows!

The Cathiards are a success story in the French wine industry. After purchasing the estate in 1990, they shifted its focus toward quality—both in the vineyard and in the cellar—and positioned it as a high-end brand, notably by creating a wine therapy center on the premises. Like an increasing number of châteaux, Smith Haut-Lafitte has adopted a “bio-organic” approach: using organic anti-botrytis treatments, practicing massal selection, plowing with horses, and making compost...

The 2016 Les Hauts de Smith Red is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 60% Merlot from the young vines at Smith Haut Lafitte. It is aged in 20% new oak barrels. It has a simple yet appealing bouquet of blackberry, dark spices, and just a hint of vanilla from the oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine, grainy tannins on the attack, plenty of black fruit with hints of leather, and a slight iron-like note. The acidity is well-balanced, and the finish is long and smooth. It is likely best enjoyed young, as it is more approachable than some other wines; nevertheless, it should age well for several years.

 

Smooth, very elegant, and full-bodied on the palate, this is a well-rounded, very approachable, and indulgent wine.

What a journey this estate has been on since 1990, the year Florence and Daniel Cathiard purchased it! Starting with a classified growth in ruins and a vineyard that was virtually abandoned, these two new winemakers—he trained in the retail industry and she in communications—have built a name for themselves that commands respect. First, they set out to produce a wine that undoubtedly ranks among the elite of Bordeaux production; then, they made Smith Haut-Lafitte an unmissable stop on any wine-tasting tour. While the wines were at times a bit too ripe and oaky in their early days, their style has greatly refined over the past decade. The texture of the reds, combined with carefully controlled extraction and more delicate tannins, results in wines that reflect a more contemporary, less ostentatious style. The whites have also followed this trend, with the influence of aging being much less pronounced in recent vintages. The success shows no signs of slowing: Smith Haut-Lafitte’s wines are enjoying international acclaim and experiencing strong price growth.

Tasting note from the barrel. The estate’s second wine, made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a slightly spicy palate with juicy red fruit. The wine is full of acidity with a crisp finish. It will develop relatively quickly. Best enjoyed after 2023.

Fresh aromas of blackcurrant and cherry with floral notes. Full-bodied, very dense and firm, with silky tannins and a beautiful, long finish. Lively and vibrant. The second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Primarily Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Best enjoyed after 2022.