Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte

Smith-Haut-Lafitte can be dated back to the 14th century, but it is the past 30 years which have seen the wines reveal their true potential. Scotsman George Smith established the estate in the 1800s, giving his name to the vines which were planted on the easy draining soils of Pessac-Léognan. It was not until 1991 however, when Olympic skiers Daniel and Florence Cathiard sold their chain of supermarkets and sports shops to purchase and invest in Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Over the past three decades they have transformed the estate into one of Bordeaux's most watched wines. Their modern upgrades to the cellar and vat room, which includes optical sorting, parcel-by-parcel vinification and a futuristic secret entrance to their enormous barrel cellar, is juxtaposed by their hands-off winemaking. The estate is farmed organically; horses plough between the vines, beehives are positioned around the estate, organic waste is composted, rain water is collected and solar energy harvested. Drones monitor the vines and at harvest, over 100 pickers meticulously pick to ensure the finest quality of the finished wine. Michel Rolland and Stéphane Derenoncourt are on hand to advise in the production of the grand vin, as well as two second wines which include a white and a rosé.