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. 

In Greek mythology, Ôra or Hora is a group of goddesses representing the change of seasons. The autumn goddess displayed on the label is one of four sculptures found at Cathiard Vineyard, where Hora is produced by the estate’s dedicated team.

Tasting Notes: A bright and intense red and purple fruits dominate the nose with sweet and spiced tones which follows onto the palate. Versatile but also age-worthy, it is a balanced, fresh and lickerish wine with focused acidity, round tannins and generous mouthfeel which makes is extremely drinkable at the same time.

Made with organic grapes.

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

Region: Napa Valley, California