Les Hauts de Smith Pessac-Léognan 2016 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

A flagship property in Martillac for the quality of its facilities and its openness to wine tourism with the superb Sources de Caudalie establishment (5-star hotel-spa and two-Michelin-starred restaurant, La Grand'Vigne), Smith Haut-Lafitte is also a pioneering vineyard in its category for its viticultural philosophy, which Daniel Cathiard describes as bio-precision, the aim being to combine the best of nature with the best of science. Florence and Daniel Cathiard, who acquired the property in 1991, can be proud of the work accomplished on the 78 hectares of vineyards. Respect for the terroir, precise winemaking, integrated cooperage, dynamic communication: in just a quarter of a century, the Cathiards have become part of the Bordeaux legend! The wines have found their true personality: no more woody excesses, they are now racy, perfectly expressing their terroir and bursting with energy. Hauts-de-smith and le-petit-haut-de-smith receive the same attention as the grand vin, and it shows!

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the domain :

The Cathiards are a success story in the French wine industry. After buying the estate in 1990, they turned it towards a quality approach, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and established it as a top-of-the-range business - including the creation of a vinotherapy center. Like a growing number of châteaux, Smith Haut-Lafitte has adopted a "bio-organic" approach, using organic anti-botrytis agents, massal selections, horse-drawn ploughing, composting...

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2016 Les Hauts de Smith Rouge is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 60% Merlot from the young vines of Smith Haut Lafitte. It is aged in 20% new barrels. It has a simple but attractive bouquet of blackberry, brown spice and just a touch of vanilla from that oak. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine, grainy tannins on the attack, plenty of leather-tinged black fruit and a slight iron scent. The acidity is well balanced and the finish is long and tender. Probably suitable for early drinking, as it is more accessible than others; nevertheless, it should drink well for several years.

About the domain :

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Suave, very elegant and full-bodied on the palate, this spherical wine is very accessible and delicious.

About the domain :

This estate has come a long way since Florence and Daniel Cathiard bought it in 1990. From a ruined cru classé and a virtually abandoned vineyard, these two neo-winegrowers, trained in the school of supermarket distribution in the case of the former and in communications in the case of the latter, have made a name for themselves. Firstly, to produce a wine that is undoubtedly among the elite of Bordeaux production, and secondly, to make Smith Haut-Lafitte an essential stopover for wine tourism. If the wines were at first a little too mature and woody, their style has been greatly refined over the last ten years. The texture of the reds, the measure of extractions and the more delicate tannic masses are all part of a more contemporary, less demonstrative taste. The whites have also followed this trend, with the influence of ageing much less pronounced in recent vintages. Smith Haut-Lafitte wines are enjoying international success and strong price growth.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Barrel sample. Second wine produced by the estate, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, the palate is slightly spicy with juicy red fruit. The wine is full of acidity with a crisp aftertaste. It will develop relatively quickly. Drink after 2023.

Vinous A. Galloni

James Suckling

About the wine:

Fresh aromas of blackcurrant and cherry with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, very tight and firm, with silky tannins and a lovely, long finish. Lively and lively. Second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink after 2022.