“Florence and Daniel Cathiard spent 30 years combining the best of nature and the best of knowledge to make memorable wines.”
Soil Specificity
The soils on the Left Bank of Bordeaux are predominantly gravel based in the best terroirs, which include Médoc, Margaux, Pessac-Léognan, and Pauillac. Of course the soils are not only created from gravel, the various types and sizes of stones resting on beds ranging from limestone, to clay, to sandstone, and other mineral and organic materials play an important role. The gravel soils allow excellent drainage, encourage the roots to burrow deep, help by reflecting sunshine, and radiate heat (which helps the grapes to fully ripen).
History / Ethos
Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a Cru Classé with history dating back to 1365. Numerous owners improved, expended the wines and reputation of the Château while others did not really care about it. Florence and Daniel Cathiard purchases this wonderful terroir in 1990 with a view to modernising and eschewing chemicals products. The Cathiards family completely revamped Smith-Haut-Lafitte, to now become one of the most important and sought after estates in Graves.