Cathiard Vineyard & Smith Haut LafitteTasting

featuring

Claude Rouquet, Cathiard National Sales Manager

Twin Liquors - Hancock Center 6-8pm

“The former Flora Springs estate is getting an upgrade from the family behind Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte's rise to Bordeaux's upper echelon. In addition to tweaking some vineyard parcels, Winemaker Justine Labbé has also immediately set to converting the estate to organic growing, and will then perhaps test some biodynamic practices as well. The cellar upgrade is already underway too.” The Wine Spectator 5/17/21

One our favorite Chateau in Bordeaux is Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Leognan, where Daniel and Florence Cathiard produce stunning red and white wines of power, elegance and sophistication. After they purchased the property in 1990 it did not take the Cathiards long to join the upper echelon of Bordeaux producers and we look forward to seeing them duplicate their efforts with their new estate in Napa Valley. Previously owned by Louis Martini in the 1930s and known more recently as Flora Springs from 1997-2019 the property contains spectacular old vineyards at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains.

Join us at Twin Liquors 0Hancock Center on Wednesday, May 15th from 6-8pm as we welcome Claude Roquet, National Sales Manager for Cathiard Family Estates as he leads us through a tasting of the premier vintage from this historic estate, now in the capable hands of one of Bordeaux’s leading wine families. In addition to these incredible reds we will also be tasting the white wines from the family’s iconic Bordeaux Estate.

Cathiard Wines to be Tasted:

Hora 20 (93js)

Founding Brothers 20 (95d)

Cabernet Sauvignon 20 (97js)

Smith Haut Lafitte Wines to be Tasted:

SHL Blanc 21 (98-99js)

SHL Petite Blanc 20 (95js)

SHL Hauts de Smith Blanc 20 (92v)

~

Smith Haut Lafitte Hauts de Smith Blanc 20   $41.99

100% Sauvignon Blanc aged 10 months in French oak (50% new)

“The 2020 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is a very pretty wine that shows the richer side of Sauvignon Blanc off to great effect. Pear, white peach, tangerine oil and sweet floral notes are nicely delineated. This has come together nicely with élevage. The balance of rich, textured fruit and brightness is impeccable.” 92v

Smith Haut Lafitte Petit Haut Blanc 20             $45.99

80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon, barrel fermented.

“A very fine and transparent wine with sliced lemons, melon, stone and hints of grass. Bitter lemon, too. Medium to full body. Hints of phenolics and fine texture. Drink or hold.” 95js

Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 21                                 $214.99

90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Semillon

“This has so much depth and power, with complex notes of flint, oyster shell, white pepper, dried mango, lemon, papaya, apricot stone and chalk. Medium-to full-bodied. Bright, yet creamy. It’s so long and concentrated. Wait and see. 90% sauvignon blanc, 5% semillon, 5% sauvignon gris. From organically grown grapes.” 98-99js

Cathiard Hora 20                                                 $111.99

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Malbec

“Perfumed aromas of tile, blackberry, bark, earth and pine needles follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins and a lovely savory finish. The balance and drinkability is really right. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 10% malbec. First release. Drink or hold.” 93js

Cathiard Founding Brothers 20                         $212.99

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc. 900 cases produced.

“An elegant, beautifully structured, classic red offering dark berry fruit, green tobacco, lovely integrated cedarwood, and emerging graphite notes. Full-bodied with pure, concentrated blackberry and black cherry fruit framed by pixelated tannins backed by terrifically tart blood orange acidity. A long finish of savory wild herbs and brown spices with a touch of clove. This blend was primarily sourced from older vines in the elevated foothills above the winery. Justine Labbé is the general manager and head winemaker. Michelle Rolland consults.” 95d

Cathiard Cabernet Sauvignon 20                       $377.99

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 35 year old estate vines. 700 cases produced.

“Wonderful aromas of blackcurrants, dark plums, mint, sage, and dried wood. Some sandalwood. Full- to medium-bodied with tannins that have the texture of fine velvet and run down the length of the wine. Extremely polished and refined. Sophisticated. Firm at the end. This will age beautifully. Pure cabernet sauvignon. Best after 2026.” 97js