Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Léognan rouge 2025 - Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

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 of 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 establishing a wine therapy center on the premises. Like an increasing number of châteaux, Smith Haut-Lafitte has adopted a “bio-organic” approach: using organic botrytis control methods, practicing massal selection, plowing with horses, and producing compost...

 

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 turned Smith Haut-Lafitte into a must-visit destination for wine tourism. While the wines were at times a bit too ripe and oaky in their early days, their style has greatly refined itself 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 waning: Smith Haut-Lafitte’s wines are enjoying international acclaim and experiencing strong price growth.

Very aromatic and expressive, with distinct notes of blackcurrant and mint, as well as a hint of chocolate. Fennel, too. Wow. A medium-bodied to full-bodied wine, with very deep fruit, fine, velvety tannins, and a long, refined texture. The precision and depth are impressive. More fruity than usual. It develops on the palate and offers a compact finish. Very Cabernet-like on the finish. In character, it’s almost reminiscent of Saint-Juliens and Pauillacs. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.

One of my favorite wines from this vintage, the 2025 Château Smith Haut Lafitte is composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder Petit Verdot. It was aged 50% in new barrels, 45% in used barrels, and 5% in large casks. Beautiful aromas of black fruit, burnt earth, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and graphite define the nose. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a deep and concentrated mid-palate, lovely tannins, and well-integrated acidity. It displays beautiful maturity as well as a balanced, textured, and harmonious style.

The nose is fruity, precise, clean, and rich, with a subtle intensity. It offers notes of bright blackcurrant, bright blueberry, and bright strawberry, combined with hints of fairly ripe red berries that subtly hint at...