Jean-Pierre spent eight years alongside Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac before taking over L’Arlot in 1986. Today, the domaine consists of 14 hectares planted to mostly Pinot Noir, with 5% devoted to Chardonnay for their ultra-rare white wines. The oldest vines are 70+ years old, with an average age close to 50.

Jean-Pierre was a disciple of Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac and he made wines at Domaine de l'Arlot in a similar vein. In fact, for a number of years, both estates shared the same source of oak and jointly seasoned it before having a cooper make it into barrels for them. De Smet retired in 2007, but the wines continue to be made in the same careful, long-lived manner overseen by the talented and passionate managing director Christian Seely.