Despite having a history that dates back to the 14th century, his own property took another 100 years to be recognised in the 1953 Cru Classé de Graves ranking. But Duffour-Dubergier would be happy to know that Smith Haut Lafitte continues to set the agenda in Bordeaux, leading the way in so many areas that it can be dizzying to keep track.
Setting the standard
Today, Smith Haut Lafitte is not only certified organic (although preferring the term ‘bio precision’ for its use of drone and satellite technology), but is the only property outside the 1855 first growths to make its own barrels from an on-site cooperage. It unquestionably sets the standard, too, that any wine tourism venture in Bordeaux has to meet, with a luxury hotel, restaurant and spa on site, and is the birthplace of the Caudalie beauty range, which uses natural ingredients from grapes and vines.
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Decanter.
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This story is from the January 2020 edition of Decanter.
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