Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard fell in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte, which they acquired with the firm intention of perpetuating its tradition of excellence. “Our philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: to do everything possible to make each vintage of red and white wine worthy of our magnificent terroir.” After three years spent renovating the estate, the Cathiards came to live there, in the 18th century chartreuse dating from George Smith’s time, in order to devote themselves to overseeing winegrowing, with the help of a talented and motivated team. The vines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte are planted in a single block on a Günz gravel plateau in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, producing six different wines. Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves Great Growth in both red and white, and our two second wines Les Hauts de Smith and Le Petit Haut Lafitte, also in red and white. Each has its own unique blend and distinctive aromatic profile.
2007 white Château Smith Haut Lafitte has a beautiful, brilliant, straw-yellow colour, as well as a hugely aromatic bouquet of citrus and white fruit: lemon, pink grapefruit, vineyard peaches, fresh mango, etc… With aeration, the bouquet goes on to reveal hints of pear, acacia blossom, and lime blossom, as well as spicy and smoky nuances. The nose shows beautiful aromatic complexity. The wine starts out crisp and straightforward on the palate, going on to display considerable richness, substance, and concentration. Richness and acidity intertwine perfectly in this delicious white Smith Haut Lafitte. This wonderful finish is very long, very fresh, complex, saline. This 2007 has all the hallmarks of Smith Haut Lafitte’s great terroir: minerality, salinity, and flintiness. Smoke, espresso and incense, with, earthy, red and dark plums in a medium bodied, fresh, round, sweet style. Fully developed, this requires drinking.