Château Smith Haut Lafitte – Biodynamic Mastery

Note: This production is 100% independent. To ensure total artistic freedom and authentic storytelling, we accept no funding or sponsorships from the wineries we feature. If you value this craft, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Note ii: We recorded with Florence and Daniel Cathiard shortly before Daniel’s passing—this film is a quiet tribute to their shared passion and legacy. We dive into Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan, one of Bordeaux’s elite estates known for powerful yet elegant, long-lived wines. Florence and Daniel Cathiard share how they bought the property in 1990 and transformed it: biodynamic practices (horses, plant teas, natural compost) and a focus on terroir that reflects “liquid history and geography.” The emotional high point is tasting their breakthrough 1998 vintage—top 10 in the world that year per Wine Spectator. Christer tastes it with them and marvels at its symmetry, finesse, smoke, mineral and blackcurrant notes—still stunning after nearly 30 years. Fabien Teitgen, the estate’s technical director and winemaker, adds sharp insight: why Pessac-Léognan’s northern soils give superior balance, climate adaptation, and low-intervention winemaking that lets terroir shine. One film, several voices—the dream and the craft—giving you a rare, intimate look at what makes Smith Haut Lafitte world-class. 🍷 Unlock the full exclusive conversation: Get our "Sensory Protocol" and watch the exclusive deep-dive with Florence, Daniel and Fabien here: 👉 talesofthewineworld.com Become a better taster. Every bottle, worth more. 🍇 Tales of the Wine World is your portal to the stories and people behind the world's most iconic wines. Join our global community for cinematic films, expert insights, and exclusive vineyard access. 📽️ Explore The Archive: https://talesofthewineworld.com 📸 Daily Stories on Instagram:   / talesofthewineworld   About the Hosts: Christer Byklum – One of the world’s most renowned wine critics. 25 years of experience, 100,000+ wines tasted. Petter Fagelund – Filmmaker and sommelier. Capturing the epicurean lifestyle and the human experience. #wine #documentary #bordeaux #smithhautlafitte #sommelier #travel #france