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3 min read Bordeaux

Château Smith Haut Lafitte: Unpacking Winemaking-Secrets With Technical Director and Winemaker Fabien Teitgen

This interview film delivers a rapid-fire masterclass from Fabien Teitgen, technical director and winemaker at Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan—one of Bordeaux's elite estates crafting reds and whites that rival the world's best through precision, terroir, and innovation.

With Technical Director and Winemaker Fabien Teitgen from Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan—Bordeaux.

Fabien packs an astonishing amount of knowledge into this session, offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the artistry behind producing iconic wines under owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard—insights that feel like eavesdropping on a top-tier enologist at work.

This isn't a leisurely chat—it's a whirlwind of expertise that condenses decades of experience into actionable insights, giving you an unparalleled view into crafting one of the globe's finest wines. Depth like this only emerges from direct, expert-led discussions built on trust.

Inside this conversation you'll discover.

▶️
How a young student from Lorraine unexpectedly found himself drawn into the world of Bordeaux — and why Château Smith Haut Lafitte immediately stood out to Fabien Teitgen when he first encountered the estate.
▶️
Why the vines at Smith Haut Lafitte grow in ancient Gunzian gravel — deep river deposits that quietly give the estate its distinctive Cabernet-driven structure.
▶️
Why Pessac-Léognan was separated from Graves in 1987 — and how deeper clay-rich soils in the northern sector quietly give these wines better balance and drought resistance.
▶️
How Fabien and the team are preparing the vineyard for a warmer future — experimenting with new rootstocks and clones to preserve balance as Bordeaux’s climate continues to evolve.
▶️
Why the cellar philosophy still favors gentle extraction and meticulous sorting — preserving finesse and aging potential rather than chasing power.

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