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.

The 2020 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is an exquisite representation of Bordeaux Blend from the renowned region of Bordeaux, France, specifically from the sub-region of Pessac Leognan. This red wine, with a rich ruby hue, is a product of the esteemed Smith-Haut-Lafitte vineyard. Crafted with a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, and 1% petit verdot, it is sealed with a cork and sports a potent 14.5% alcohol content.

Renowned critics have universally praised this vintage, marking its towering presence in the wine world. The nose is greeted with a symphony of blackcurrant, graphite, and iodine, hinting at the depth and complexity of the wine. It unveils an impressive richness and intensity on the palate, with layers of blackberries, smoked espresso, black cherries, licorice, and chocolate, all harmoniously balanced. The wine is acclaimed for its pure and intense fruit characteristics, with a finish that is a grand show of sweet, black cherries, plums, chocolate, and spice.

The 2020 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a monument of power, elegance, and refinement, with polished tannins and a freshness that lingers. This enchanting vintage is captivating in its complexity, its polished and powerful tannins providing an impressive structure. The palate offers an exciting mélange of dark fruit, chocolate, spice, gravel, and leather, with a touch of new oak for added vitality.

This wine is a sleeping giant, a thoroughbred in the making, presently holding back its full expression and seductiveness. It requires patience for its true nature to unfurl. Wine connoisseurs recommend allowing it to age for a few years to unravel its full potential. This wine is not just a product of the cellar but a testament to the vineyard's exceptional quality and the meticulous craftsmanship of its producers.