In January 2020, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard took the leap of faith and made their first foray outside of France: Cathiard Vineyard. Anyone who has visited Napa Valley is likely to have driven along Zinfandel Lane. Driving West up towards the foothills of the Mayacamas, things get quiet pretty fast and the views get more stunning. Climbing into the hillsides, the very last property on this section of the road is Cathiard Vineyard.

The estate includes around 250 acres of land, 58 of which planted to vine, the rest is pure nature of woods, lakes and clearings, home to majestic mountain lions. The partly sloped vineyard extends up to an altitude of 1000 feet and includes mature and young vines. The vineyards are broken down into 14 blocks, some of them on the St Helena alluvial fan, the rest on the steep Rutherford hillside slopes.

Today the winery produces three red wines, all estate fruit and organically farmed. The ridiculously low yields and minimal intervention in the cellar guarantee a strong sense of place. The focus is directed towards finesse, elegance and drinkability. 

Cathiard Vineyard is produced from our family-owned estate situated in both the Rutherford and St. Helena AVA's at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, where vintners have cultivated the land
for more than a century.

Tasting Notes: On the nose the purity of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit not hiding behind the oak regime, along with Valrhona chocolate, tobacco and spice. The mouthfeel is dense but delicate. Lots of energy but combined with finesse. Silky texture all throughout a long finish. Tannins are remarkably integrated. Unmistakably Napa Cab, but with a significant elegance/ethereal factor that makes it extremely drinkable.

Made with organic grapes.

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley, California