Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Rouge Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 2015

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the Cathiard family's Pessac-Léognan classified growth, farms 80 ha in one block on Günz gravel, certified organic since 2019 and treated with biodynamic preparations. The estate says its reds are smooth and complex and its whites subtly smoky. The red grand vin is Cabernet Sauvignon-led with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and Wine Spectator found the 2020 ripe and seductive; the white is about 90% Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris. Grapes are optically sorted and fermented in conical oak vats, then aged 12–18 months in barrels mostly made by the estate's own coopers. Second wines: Le Petit Haut Lafitte, and Les Hauts de Smith, including a rosé.

Appellation

Pessac-Léognan

Classification

Cru Classé de Graves (red)

Owner

Cathiard family

Vineyards

80 ha in a single block on Günz gravel; organic since 2019

Grapes

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 35%, Cabernet Franc 10%; white: Sauvignon Blanc 90%, Sémillon 5%, Sauvignon Gris 5%

Wines

Château Smith Haut Lafitte rouge and blanc; Le Petit Haut Lafitte rouge and blanc; Les Hauts de Smith rouge, blanc and rosé

Style

Smooth, complex reds and subtly smoky whites; own cooperage, oak-vat fermentation

Website

smith-haut-lafitte.com

Sources: smith-haut-lafitte.com, Wikipedia