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Nouaison (First Growth)

LOCATION: Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Bordeaux, France (2012)
CLIENT: Daniel + Florence Cathiard

Out of the scenic French countryside rises Nouaison (First Growth), the signature art piece was commissioned by the notable Bordeaux vineyard Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte dating back to the 14th century. The sculpture takes its name from a French term describing the stage of growth when grapevines first develop their fruit. Situated on the main terrace of the winery, directly overlooking the grapevines, the sphere both extends outward and rises off of its pedestal, growing to nearly four meters tall. From below, the sculpture gradually swells into view and becomes a prominent feature as seen from the surrounding grape rows. Fabricated out of aircraft grade aluminum with CNC machining, each of the 224 struts and 54 hubs are given their hatch pattern through deep-set, exaggerated passes of the milling tool.