Bordeaux Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Our committee's review

Can any true wine lover seriously pass on Smith Haut Lafitte?
For anyone who knows and loves great Bordeaux, the answer is a resounding no. This estate has earned a devoted following—and for good reason. Under the stewardship of Daniel and Florence Cathiard, Smith Haut Lafitte has become a benchmark for what they call “bio-precision” viticulture: a forward-thinking, deeply respectful approach to farming that brings out the best in its 78 hectares of vines.

The 2024 vintage is yet another showcase of the estate’s class. It’s a wine of finesse and fluidity, striking in its natural expression—nothing forced, nothing overdone. There’s clarity and grace here, wrapped in a beautifully tailored structure, thanks in part to a custom élevage (60% new oak) crafted in barrels made right on the estate.

This is a deep, focused, and finely chiseled red, a reflection of the Cathiard family’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

A stunning achievement—one that won’t go unnoticed.