As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith-Haut-Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith-Haut-Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

The style of Smith-Haut-Lafitte red is classical, with a beautiful expression of Gunzian gravel terroir which gives it unique smoky notes. Elegant and structured, the red shows freshness, complexity, balance and richness.

The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, harvested at full maturity and softly vinified to extract only the silkiest tannins, unveils its full potential after proper aging. The other grape varieties of the vineyard, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, add their own aromas and participate in the harmony of a great Cru Classe de Graves.

Allow me to introduce the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Bordeaux Blend, a remarkable red wine hailing from the esteemed Pessac Leognan region of Bordeaux, France. This wine, with its deep garnet hue, exudes elegance and sophistication from the first pour.

Crafted by the renowned winemaker Fabien Teitgen, this blend is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The grapes were carefully selected and aged for 16 months in 60% new French oak, resulting in a wine that is brimming with complexity and depth.

On the nose, the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte reveals a captivating bouquet of cassis and red currant fruits, intertwined with subtle hints of dried herbs and crushed violets. Delicate notes of salty minerality and oak add to its allure, creating a symphony of aromas that is both enchanting and inviting.

Moving onto the palate, this full-bodied wine showcases concentrated flavors of blackberries, dark chocolate, and mushrooms, complemented by touches of wet earth and violets. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, providing a firm structure and a silky-smooth texture. With its impeccable balance and linear focus, the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte delivers a consistent finish that lingers on the taste buds.

The wine experts agree, as evidenced by the glowing reviews it has received. Jeb Dunnuck awards this vintage an impressive 96 points, praising its charm, character, and aging potential. James Suckling concurs, awarding it a score of 97, and highlighting its wonderful depth of fruit and polished tannins. Vinous also awards it 97 points, describing it as a wine of tremendous character and balance. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate bestows a 97+ score, celebrating its fantastic core of densely packed fruits and seamless freshness.

This wine is a testament to the exceptional quality of Bordeaux blends, and the 2017 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is sure to captivate wine enthusiasts for years to come. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further development, this wine promises a memorable and exquisite tasting experience.