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Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Revitalizer Daniel Cathiard Dies at 81

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Daniel Cathiard, a French businessman, died at his home in Martillac, France, on January 28 at age 81 from a pulmonary embolism.
Cathiard and his wife Florence revitalized Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a historic Bordeaux estate they bought in 1990 for about $40 million.
Initially deemed past its prime, their dedication to soil and grape quality earned praise from critic Robert M. Parker Jr. by 2011.

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Story summary

Daniel Cathiard, a French businessman, died at his home in Martillac, France, on January 28 at age 81 from a pulmonary embolism.
Cathiard and his wife Florence revitalized Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a historic Bordeaux estate they bought in 1990 for about $40 million.
Initially deemed past its prime, their dedication to soil and grape quality earned praise from critic Robert M. Parker Jr. by 2011.