"One can’t say enough about this winery, which may still fly under the radar of most consumers. The fully mature 2000 displays gorgeous aromas of camphor, lead pencil shavings, unsmoked tobacco, plums, and black currants. With full body, a velvety texture, and beautiful weight, richness, and length, this superb wine should evolve, possibly improve for another 15 years. It’s a beauty! 95 points" Robert Parker

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Grand Cru Classé de Graves estate in the communes of Pessac-Léognan. The estate dates back to at least the 14th century, owned by Dubosq, and takes the Lafitte part of its name from a gravelly plateau in the area. In the 18th century, it was acquired by the prosaically named George Smith, who added his own name to the estate.

Until 1990 the château was owned by a negociant firm, Louis Eschenauer, producing average quality wines. until it was acquired by the Cathiard family. They invested heavily in a new winery and have applied the latest technology each year to the estate. Florence Cathiard also made the estate famous (not to mention promoting healthy associations with wine) by establishing a spa and a range of cosmetics, Les Sources de Caudalie, based on the health-giving properties of grape extracts.

The 78-hectare vineyard of Smith Haut Lafitte has 67 hectares devoted to red wine grapes and 11 hectares of vines for the white wine grape varieties.

67 hectares are planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The terroir is gravel with small quartz pebbles. The average age of the vines is around 38 years of age.