At the turn of the century the Maison Louis Eschenauer realized the exceptional quality of this wine and took over sales and distribution, before in 1958 purchasing the property outright. In 1990 Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the vineyard and became the next in the prestigious line of owners, with the firm intention of continuing to enhance and improve this noble wine: his ongoing quest for excellence has led him to harmoniously blend the most modern vinification techniques (such as selective vineyard protection and airbag pressing) with traditional methods (egg white fining, 100% hand-picking...). There is no doubt that the exemplary elegance of Smith Haut Lafitte reds, as well as the sophisticated bouquet of its whites renowned the world over, fully merit the daily care lavished upon them.

The estate is situated on a hillock encompassing 72 hectares of contiguous land. Fifty-five hectares are planted with vines. The terrain consists of "g?nzien" gravely soil, which offers two remarkable characteristics: natural soil drainage that forces the vine stock roots to seek out water and mineral salts at a depth of over six meters below ground level, plus a "mirror effect" whereby the sun is reflected back off the pebbles that make up the gravel, fostering ripening and full grape development. As early as 1365 the noble house of Bosq chose this land to plant with vines. In the eighteenth century the estate was bought by George Smith, a Scot who added his name to the property, had the Charterhouse built, and exported the renowned barrels of wine to England on his own ships. In 1856 Mr Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and accomplished vine-grower, purchased Smith Haut-Lafitte and transformed it into a grand cru.

"This winery continues to move from strength to strength under the committed leadership of Florence and Daniel Cathiard. Never a heavyweight or blockbuster, Smith-Haut-Lafitte tends to produce the quintessentially elegant style of Bordeaux, offering an impressive marriage of intense flavors, finesse and complexity." RP

1999 $47.99 limited
"A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet, asphalt-tinged, earthy, cassis fruit with toasty pain grille notes in the background. There are loads of fruit and charm as well as a creamy texture revealing hints of tobacco, currants, and wood smoke. It is medium-bodied and supple-textured, and will provide ideal drinking over the next 12-15 years." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #140

1998 $56.99 very limited
"This young Bordeaux shows intense aromas of wet earth, stone and berries. It's full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. Very well made indeed, and much better than when tasted from barrel. Best after 2008." 94 The Wine Spectator 1/31/01
"Medium red. Complex aromas of currant, tobacco and smoke. Dry-edged in the manner of the vintage, but vinous and precise, with subdued sweetness and solid structure. Finishes with firm but rather sweet tannins and very good length. A classic, elegant style of Smith Haut Lafitte. 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 5/6-01

1997 $47.99 limited
"A wine with lovely tobacco, toasted oak and berry character. Medium in body, with silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Smith-Haut-Lafitte is really doing well." The Wine Spectator 1/31/00
"The 1997 is a forward, beautifully made wine that may merit an outstanding score by the time it is bottled. The color is deep ruby/purple, and the wine is expressive aromatically. Chocolate, mineral, creme de cassis, and subtle pain grille notes soar from this wine. Sexy, with low acidity, medium body, and beautifully etched flavors that linger on the palate, this is a totally captivating Smith-Haut-Lafitte that should drink well young, yet last for 15 or more years." 88-90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #116

1996 $56.99 very limited
"The 1996 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is the quintessentially elegant Bordeaux. With a dark ruby/purple color, it displays a beautiful presentation of blackberry and cassis fruit nicely dosed with subtle new oak. On the attack, the wine is sweet and pure, with striking symmetry, and a compellingly balanced mid-palate and finish. Although not as big as some blockbusters from this vintage, it is extremely complex (both aromatically and flavor-wise), and impressive for its restraint, subtlety, and impeccable balance. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #122

1995 $56.99 limited
"This wine is already showing exceptionally well, even though it is not close to its plateau of maturity. The deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of roasted herbs intermixed with sweet black currant fruit, truffles, vanillin, and minerals. Lush, with ripe cassis fruit on the attack, outstanding balance, medium body, and layers of intensity, this is an elegant, graceful, smoothly textured, beautifully made Bordeaux. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2018." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #115
"Very good deep red. Warm, inviting aromas of plums, hot bricks, leather and spice. Lush and expansive in the mouth, with smoke and plum flavors. Subtle flavor really expands on the finish. Tannins are quite suave. A lovely drink. 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 5/6-98

1999 $48.99 limited

1998 $53.99 limited
"Attractive lemon, pineapple and vanilla character. Medium- to full-bodied, with plenty of fruit and a fresh finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2004." 90 The Wine Spectator 2/29/00

1997 $54.99 very limited

Daniel and Florence Cathiard, Proprietors