Château Smith Haut Lafitte
About Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Smith-Haut-Lafitte was bought by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990. But its prestigious history dates back to 1365 when the first vines were planted. George Smith bought the Graves estate in 1720, adding his name to the property. After renovating the estate, the Cathiards now live in the 18th century chartreuse dating from George Smith’s time. Over the years, the Cathiards have invested hugely to modernize Smith Haut-Lafitte. In 1995 they built their own cooperage, allowing them produce 70% of their own barrels to their exacting specifications.
They have also created state-of-the-art wine making facilities. In 2009 they were one of the first estates to use “Oenoview” satellite imagery system to assess grape ripeness. They also make use of the latest optical sorting technology. These efforts have seen quality, and critical acclaim, leap upwards - culminating in a perfect 100 score from Wine Advocate for the 2009 vintage. Today the vineyard is organic and self-sustainable, with an eye to biodynamic farming techniques. These efforts are led by Fabien Teitgen, the Technical Director for all the Cathiard properties is an integral part of their estate’s success.
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Prices:
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(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (98-99)
Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.Inc. TAX€1,731.07 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.Inc. TAX€857.74 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.Inc. TAX€747.34 -
(12x75cl) 1999Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)
Ripe, expressive aromas of honeysuckle, mint, coconut and spring flowers; faint candied note. Silky, suave and rather understated on the palate; lively citrus and floral flavors are gentle but fresh. Finishes with a late burst of pineapple. Dehydration of the grapes concentrated the sugars and the acids, said Daniel. Very promising.Inc. TAX€1,404.92 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (97)
Intense, attention seeking notes of lemon, lime, flowers and stone open to a wine with depth, richness and concentration. The wine is long, fresh, plush and polished with plush textures and a mélange of citrus and mineral sensations. There is a purity to the sweet fruits that remain on your palate for close to 40 seconds.Inc. TAX€725.28 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Wine Advocate (96+)
Composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the Smith Haut Lafitte 2015 Blanc has an incredibly compelling nose of ripe apricots, passion fruit, honeyed lemons and crushed stones with a hint of lime blossoms. Medium-bodied, super intense and super minerally, the palate sings of stone fruit and citrus layers with plenty of zip and zing, finishing with incredible persistence, alluring fruitiness and a savory contrast that will keep you reaching for another glass.Inc. TAX€1,174.38 -
(12x75cl) 2016
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The white of the vintage is the 2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. It’s a magical elixir based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, and 5% Sémillon that was brought up in 50% new oak. Deep, layered, and powerful, yet also vibrant, it has sensational notes of crushed citrus, liquid rock, white flower, lime pith, and honeyed grapefruit. It shows the classic, balanced style of the vintage yet offers thrilling depth and concentration and is a tour de force in white Bordeaux. Drink it any time over the coming two decades. Get it if you can!Inc. TAX€1,913.26 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The 2017 Blanc prances out of the glass with pretty, cheerful scents of fresh green apples, lemongrass, lime leaves and white peaches plus spicy touches of fresh ginger, coriander seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity and tension, with a racy backbone cutting through the tightly knit citrus and spice layers, finishing long and mineral laced.Inc. TAX€793.43 -
James Suckling (96-97)
A full-bodied, layered white with dried apples, pears and cream. Beautiful, very upfront and plush already. Love the richness and precision.Inc. TAX€781.19 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Lastly, and pure perfection in white wine, the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon that was aged in 50% new oak. This massively rich, concentrated, powerful white offers a heavenly nose of honeyed flowers, orange marmalade, lemon grass, and toasted bread, with a building sense of salinity and minerality that shows on the finish. Drink this stunningly rich, layered, concentrated 2020 over the coming two decades.Inc. TAX€875.99 -
(1x75cl) 2021James Suckling (99)
This has so much blossom honey and white flowers with limes and other citrus. Stone and mineral undertones. Subtle passion fruit. A truly complex and great nose. Full-bodied and compact with fruit, phenolics and fresh acidity. Just a touch of sea salt. Very long and persistent. If you close your eyes, it’s like a great red wine. One of the best whites ever to come from here. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€189.84 -
James Suckling (99)
This has so much blossom honey and white flowers with limes and other citrus. Stone and mineral undertones. Subtle passion fruit. A truly complex and great nose. Full-bodied and compact with fruit, phenolics and fresh acidity. Just a touch of sea salt. Very long and persistent. If you close your eyes, it’s like a great red wine. One of the best whites ever to come from here. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€829.43 -
(12x75cl) 2022Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Simply stunning and undeniably one of the whites of the vintage, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc has a light gold hue as well as a brilliant perfume of honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, and lemon zest. Rich, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and concentrated on the palate, it’s one of those rare whites that brings a red wine-like sense of structure and mouthfeel while staying vibrant, juicy, and incredibly precise. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy through 2042.Inc. TAX€2,063.26 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Simply stunning and undeniably one of the whites of the vintage, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc has a light gold hue as well as a brilliant perfume of honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, and lemon zest. Rich, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and concentrated on the palate, it’s one of those rare whites that brings a red wine-like sense of structure and mouthfeel while staying vibrant, juicy, and incredibly precise. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy through 2042.Inc. TAX€189.24 -
(1x75cl) 2023
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Distinctive as ever, right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver. Structured, fleshy white peach and pear, waves of salted cracker and sage, creamy texture, great length, just a brilliant wine. A buy.Inc. TAX€191.95 -
(3x150cl) 2023Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Distinctive as ever, right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver. Structured, fleshy white peach and pear, waves of salted cracker and sage, creamy texture, great length, just a brilliant wine. A buy.Inc. TAX€1,438.70 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Distinctive as ever, right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver. Structured, fleshy white peach and pear, waves of salted cracker and sage, creamy texture, great length, just a brilliant wine. A buy.Inc. TAX€869.74 -
(12x75cl) 2016Inc. TAX€457.87 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
Inky dark fruit, gravel, smoke, spice, grilled herbs, lavender and menthol all flesh out in this rich, supple Merlot-driven blend from Smith Haut Lafitte. The 2017 is a flat-out delicious wine. Inky dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice and savory overtones from the Cabernet all infuse the 2017 with notable character. The 2017 finishes with a good bit of structure, which ensures it will drink well for a number of years.Inc. TAX€221.77 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2018 Les Hauts de Smith is a powerhouse. I recall a much more open-knit wine from en primeur, but the bottled 2018 packs a serious punch. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, gravel and licorice give the 2018 a distinctly brooding feel. Les Hauts is conceived as a restaurant wine, but the 2018 is far from an easygoing example. There is plenty of depth, power and structure. A burst of dark red fruit laced with floral overtones punctuates the finish.Inc. TAX€261.37 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith has gained quite a bit of volume in élevage. Plush and expansive in feel, Les Hauts offers a striking combination of Merlot richness complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure. Dried herbs, leather, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add layers of nuance. The 2019 should be an absolute delight in another few years' time.Inc. TAX€457.87 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith has gained quite a bit of volume in élevage. Plush and expansive in feel, Les Hauts offers a striking combination of Merlot richness complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure. Dried herbs, leather, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add layers of nuance. The 2019 should be an absolute delight in another few years' time.Inc. TAX€221.74 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, is plump, juicy and quite forward. Succulent red cherry, cedar, cinnamon and dried flowers are front and center. Bright acids play off the ripe, racy fruit very nicely. Plush tannins wrap it all together in style.Inc. TAX€239.74 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, is plump, juicy and quite forward. Succulent red cherry, cedar, cinnamon and dried flowers are front and center. Bright acids play off the ripe, racy fruit very nicely. Plush tannins wrap it all together in style.Inc. TAX€213.34
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(12x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (98-99)
Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.In Bond€1,395.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.In Bond€691.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Probably one of the most structured and stony SHLs I have ever had. Full yet very tight and compact palate with tannins that are like a tightly wound ball of silk. It goes on for a very long time. The cab berries were very small and they delivered a fantastic backbone of tannins, but at the same time intensity of vivid and reserved fruit. This is really long and classic in structure. The elevage in barrel will polish the fantastic, pure tannins. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.In Bond€599.00 -
(12x75cl) 1999
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)
Ripe, expressive aromas of honeysuckle, mint, coconut and spring flowers; faint candied note. Silky, suave and rather understated on the palate; lively citrus and floral flavors are gentle but fresh. Finishes with a late burst of pineapple. Dehydration of the grapes concentrated the sugars and the acids, said Daniel. Very promising.In Bond€1,125.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (97)
Intense, attention seeking notes of lemon, lime, flowers and stone open to a wine with depth, richness and concentration. The wine is long, fresh, plush and polished with plush textures and a mélange of citrus and mineral sensations. There is a purity to the sweet fruits that remain on your palate for close to 40 seconds.In Bond€583.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Wine Advocate (96+)
Composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, the Smith Haut Lafitte 2015 Blanc has an incredibly compelling nose of ripe apricots, passion fruit, honeyed lemons and crushed stones with a hint of lime blossoms. Medium-bodied, super intense and super minerally, the palate sings of stone fruit and citrus layers with plenty of zip and zing, finishing with incredible persistence, alluring fruitiness and a savory contrast that will keep you reaching for another glass.In Bond€960.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The white of the vintage is the 2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. It’s a magical elixir based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, and 5% Sémillon that was brought up in 50% new oak. Deep, layered, and powerful, yet also vibrant, it has sensational notes of crushed citrus, liquid rock, white flower, lime pith, and honeyed grapefruit. It shows the classic, balanced style of the vintage yet offers thrilling depth and concentration and is a tour de force in white Bordeaux. Drink it any time over the coming two decades. Get it if you can!In Bond€1,550.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The 2017 Blanc prances out of the glass with pretty, cheerful scents of fresh green apples, lemongrass, lime leaves and white peaches plus spicy touches of fresh ginger, coriander seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity and tension, with a racy backbone cutting through the tightly knit citrus and spice layers, finishing long and mineral laced.In Bond€639.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
A full-bodied, layered white with dried apples, pears and cream. Beautiful, very upfront and plush already. Love the richness and precision.In Bond€628.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Lastly, and pure perfection in white wine, the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is based on 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillon that was aged in 50% new oak. This massively rich, concentrated, powerful white offers a heavenly nose of honeyed flowers, orange marmalade, lemon grass, and toasted bread, with a building sense of salinity and minerality that shows on the finish. Drink this stunningly rich, layered, concentrated 2020 over the coming two decades.In Bond€707.00 -
(1x75cl) 2021
James Suckling (99)
This has so much blossom honey and white flowers with limes and other citrus. Stone and mineral undertones. Subtle passion fruit. A truly complex and great nose. Full-bodied and compact with fruit, phenolics and fresh acidity. Just a touch of sea salt. Very long and persistent. If you close your eyes, it’s like a great red wine. One of the best whites ever to come from here. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.In Bond€155.00 -
James Suckling (99)
This has so much blossom honey and white flowers with limes and other citrus. Stone and mineral undertones. Subtle passion fruit. A truly complex and great nose. Full-bodied and compact with fruit, phenolics and fresh acidity. Just a touch of sea salt. Very long and persistent. If you close your eyes, it’s like a great red wine. One of the best whites ever to come from here. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.In Bond€669.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Simply stunning and undeniably one of the whites of the vintage, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc has a light gold hue as well as a brilliant perfume of honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, and lemon zest. Rich, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and concentrated on the palate, it’s one of those rare whites that brings a red wine-like sense of structure and mouthfeel while staying vibrant, juicy, and incredibly precise. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy through 2042.In Bond€1,675.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Simply stunning and undeniably one of the whites of the vintage, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc has a light gold hue as well as a brilliant perfume of honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, and lemon zest. Rich, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and concentrated on the palate, it’s one of those rare whites that brings a red wine-like sense of structure and mouthfeel while staying vibrant, juicy, and incredibly precise. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy through 2042.In Bond€154.00 -
(1x75cl) 2023
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Distinctive as ever, right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver. Structured, fleshy white peach and pear, waves of salted cracker and sage, creamy texture, great length, just a brilliant wine. A buy.In Bond€156.00 -
(3x150cl) 2023
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Distinctive as ever, right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver. Structured, fleshy white peach and pear, waves of salted cracker and sage, creamy texture, great length, just a brilliant wine. A buy.In Bond€1,175.14 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Distinctive as ever, right at the top of what Pessac Léognan Blanc can deliver. Structured, fleshy white peach and pear, waves of salted cracker and sage, creamy texture, great length, just a brilliant wine. A buy.In Bond€701.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016In Bond€334.00
-
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
Inky dark fruit, gravel, smoke, spice, grilled herbs, lavender and menthol all flesh out in this rich, supple Merlot-driven blend from Smith Haut Lafitte. The 2017 is a flat-out delicious wine. Inky dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice and savory overtones from the Cabernet all infuse the 2017 with notable character. The 2017 finishes with a good bit of structure, which ensures it will drink well for a number of years.In Bond€165.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2018 Les Hauts de Smith is a powerhouse. I recall a much more open-knit wine from en primeur, but the bottled 2018 packs a serious punch. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, gravel and licorice give the 2018 a distinctly brooding feel. Les Hauts is conceived as a restaurant wine, but the 2018 is far from an easygoing example. There is plenty of depth, power and structure. A burst of dark red fruit laced with floral overtones punctuates the finish.In Bond€198.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith has gained quite a bit of volume in élevage. Plush and expansive in feel, Les Hauts offers a striking combination of Merlot richness complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure. Dried herbs, leather, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add layers of nuance. The 2019 should be an absolute delight in another few years' time.In Bond€334.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2019 Les Hauts de Smith has gained quite a bit of volume in élevage. Plush and expansive in feel, Les Hauts offers a striking combination of Merlot richness complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure. Dried herbs, leather, licorice, game, smoke and tobacco add layers of nuance. The 2019 should be an absolute delight in another few years' time.In Bond€161.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, is plump, juicy and quite forward. Succulent red cherry, cedar, cinnamon and dried flowers are front and center. Bright acids play off the ripe, racy fruit very nicely. Plush tannins wrap it all together in style.In Bond€176.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, is plump, juicy and quite forward. Succulent red cherry, cedar, cinnamon and dried flowers are front and center. Bright acids play off the ripe, racy fruit very nicely. Plush tannins wrap it all together in style.In Bond€154.00
