Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Léognan rouge 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

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!

One might wonder if this is actually a 2021 vintage, given how remarkable its structure, style, and charm are—combined with its aging potential and drinkability. A vibrant nose: pink roses, blackcurrant, strawberries, vanilla, and milk chocolate, with hints of pepper and toast. Supple, lively, and energetic, it has a firm structure and a juicy, vibrant core of red fruit. Neither light nor opulent, dense yet balanced, it is pleasant and approachable, precise and concentrated, offering great aromatic richness and a beautiful texture. 2027–2048

It’s a pleasure to rediscover the distinctive aromatic character of the region’s wines in this 2021 vintage, which may not have the body of the great vintages but undeniably holds its own. Red currant, cooked plum, fresh leather, and spices—all set against a delicate vanilla backdrop—the open and complex nose leads to a substantial, concentrated, and fresh palate with smoky notes, supported by a dense tannic structure. A serious wine whose length bodes well for a bright future. 2028–2035

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...

 

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.

This wine is extremely fragrant, with aromas of violet, lavender, wild berries, and beeswax. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, it features creamy, round tannins. Already delicious, it offers a beautiful balance and reveals flavors of black fruit, meat, and chocolate, with a hint of smokiness. Bold and powerful, it offers a long finish for this vintage. A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Made from organically grown grapes. Ready to drink now, but will be even better in 1 or 2 years.

With yields cut in half, Smith will be scarce but nonetheless up to the task. The delicate structure of the tannins delivers an ethereal balance. The vines, tended biodynamically with infusions of horsetail, valerian, and stinging nettle, express themselves with delicacy. This is a vintage of pure finesse, unfolding with a silky, taut, and lively texture. The terroir’s refined character shines through, more classic than the generous vintages that preceded it.

Smith Haut Lafitte’s subtle and complex bouquet highlights the exceptional quality of this wine in a challenging vintage. Elegant and full-bodied, the wine features precise, fine-grained, and delicately smooth tannins. A harmonious, inviting, and lingering wine. 2027–2043