Cheval des Andes appoints new technical director as Gérald Gabillet steps down

After seven years leading Cheval des Andes, Gérald Gabillet (pictured) hands over the reins to Pierre Polbos. The appointment marks a new era for the iconic LVMH estate in Argentina.

Gérald Gabillet is stepping down as director and head winemaker of Cheval des Andes after seven years at the helm of Cheval Blanc’s Argentine outpost. He will be succeeded by Pierre Polbos, who officially takes over the role this August.

Gabillet, a French winemaker with previous experience at Château Angélus, has been instrumental in the transformation of Cheval des Andes since joining in 2018. During his tenure, the luxury estate — a collaboration between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes under the LVMH umbrella — has undergone significant evolution. From transitioning its vineyards toward agroecological practices to redefining its house style, Gabillet’s leadership has marked a new era for the brand.

“I have loved my seven years at Cheval des Andes,” says Gabillet, who is returning to France with his wife and children for family reasons. “I had the enormous pleasure of taking over from Lorenzo Pasquini, who was Cheval des Andes’ first full-time winemaker [from 2015 to 2018], and have been able to build on its independence since then.”

Building a fully independent identity

One of the defining shifts during Gabillet’s time has been Cheval des Andes’ emergence as a fully independent identity — no longer perceived as an extension of Terrazas de los Andes, but as a distinct winery in its own right. That independence is symbolised by the estate’s new winery in Las Compuertas, which began construction in 2023 and is set for completion at the end of 2026.

“A real source of pride for me in this time has been to see the construction of our winery — even if I won’t be here to see the final stone set,” Gabillet reflects. “It is the final step to reflecting the independence of Cheval des Andes and its growth in this time.”

Cheval des Andes has also deepened its technical collaboration with Cheval Blanc, with regular visits from Cheval Blanc’s technical team, including director Pierre-Olivier Clouet, particularly focused on sharing protocols in agroforestry and regenerative viticulture.

Shaping style and vineyard precision

Under Gabillet’s leadership, the team expanded from 12 to 28 employees, introduced 100% drip irrigation, and shifted the vineyard and cellar approach toward greater precision and freshness of expression. “Improving our Cabernet Sauvignon was also one of my major priorities,” he adds.

Over the past few years, the iconic blend has transitioned from predominantly Malbec to predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. A lighter oak regime has also been key, with new oak being dialled back from over 70% new French oak and 100% in 225-litre barrels, to recent vintages with around 50% new oak, including a mixture of foudres, 400-litre and 225-litre barrels, as well as incorporating Austrian, Slovenian and German oak along with French oak.

Pierre Polbos takes over technical direction

Gabillet is being succeeded by Pierre Polbos, who joined the Mendoza team in November 2024 following several years working in Bordeaux with Cheval Blanc and as technical director of neighbouring estate, Château Quinault. “Arriving in November allowed me to follow the season and see the adaptation of the vines to this climate,” reflects Polbos, “as well as being able to vinify alongside Gérald who knows each one of the last seven vintages by memory.”

Polbos will now oversee both vineyard and cellar operations, with a focus on continuity and detail. “My professional challenge here will be to push every detail in the vineyard, and continue to work our precision viticulture with the utmost rigour that defines Cheval Blanc,” he says. “My greatest task will be preserving the specific style of Cheval des Andes: refined, fresh, and elegant, even in this semi-desert climate. That consistency is what drives me as I take on this new chapter.”

Looking ahead

Polbos will work with agronomist Rosario Toso and winemaker Rodrigo de la Mota, the son of Roberto de la Mota, who first founded Cheval des Andes in 1999.

Amanda Barnes MW is the drinks business´ regular South America correspondent and author of The South America Wine Guide.

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