Daniel and Florence Cathiard`s wines have reached new heights in recent years as the couple have pushed through change and renovations in the vineyards and now have a fully functioning new winery for the second wine - Les Hauts de Smith. Not only is this fully equipped for producing high quality wine in small plot-based parcels as slowly as necessary, but is carbon neutral, even to the extent of capturing the carbon dioxide from the fermentation process. Fuel comes sustainably from the estate`s forest and the new underground cellar won`t need climate control.

Meanwhile back in the main cellar, the Cathiard`s efforts have been garnering more and more accolades for both red and white wines. Smith-Haut-Lafitte is a great example of the huge strides in quality that conscientious owners are taking. (CW 28/05/13)