Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located in Pessac-Legonan on the left bank of the west tributary of the Gironde River. During the 1959 Classification of the Graves it was classified as Grand Cru Classé, putting Smith Haut Lafitte wines above many others from the region in terms of their quality.

Grapes have been grown on the site since 1365. In 1958, it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer company, which invested into the winery and its vineyards. Since 1990, the property has been owned by Daniel Cathiard. The château is unrelated to first growth Château Lafite Rothschild, despite the similarities in the name. Smith Haut Lafitte takes its name from the gravel plateau cultivated in 1365 (and known as Lafitte) and 18th Century owner George Smith, who was the first to build the manor house on the site in Pessac-Leognan.

Smith Haut Lafitte makes both a red and white grand vin. Merlot is the dominant variety in the red blend, which also includes Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is aged for 16-28 months depending on the vintage. The white grand vin is usually Sauvignon Blanc-dominant, and is aged on its lees for a year. The second wines are named Les Hauts de Smith.