The Smith Haut Lafitte magicians

16 years ago, Daniel and Florence Cathiard, former professional skiers, both members of the French Team felt in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte, however in ruin. They did not know anything about the vines work. But on the contrary to the former owners, they know the virtues of hillock consisted of fine gravels: a natural drainage and a mirror effect with the sun reflecting on the grapes.

There is not anything to make a giant slalom… However, after a few months, the pact is sealed. Our two champions leaved their sport stores chains and are ready now to face up this vineyard’s whim and this eighteenth century Charterhouse in ruin…

In Pessac-Léognan at a few kilometres from Bordeaux, the Cathiard know the road leading to good wine is full of obstacles. But nothing can frighten these sportive people and their iron will. After all, the essential is having an outstanding terroir. They renovated their estate and created a new fermenting room and their own cooperage, and then they have adopted respectful-growing methods of the terroir…

A few years later, the wines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, red and white, have come back on some of the higher steps of the podium. A story about magic and talent.

2006, September 27 - © Le Figaro magazine

Other information :
• Pessac-Léognan
• Bordeaux
• Château Smith Haut Lafitte