CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION

Château Haut-Brion, the first Grand Cru Classé in 1855, owes its origins to Jean de Pontac. As early as the 16th century, in 1525, Jean was instrumental in founding the vineyard as we know it today. With a large number of heirs, the estate has developed more than ever, and continues to gain renown throughout the world. Several families have succeeded one another at the head of the Château, the de Pontac family being at the origin, followed by the Fumel family in the early 18th century, up to Clarence Dillon in the 20th century. An American banker with a passion for the Bordeaux region, he acquired the estate and further modernized it; it is his great-grandson Prince Robert du Luxembourg who currently runs the company. We mustn't forget to give due mention to Bordeaux's oldest vineyard, which is also surrounded by the city. For us, there is no such thing as a small vintage. Château Haut-Brion wines have their own style that improves with age.

Geographical location of the estate

The Haut-Brion estate is located in the commune of Pessac in the Pessac-Leognan appellation. The vineyard is made up of a mosaic of grape varieties, with a predominance of reds. Covering some 50 hectares, Haut-Brion's vineyards are planted on a gravelly terroir with a clay-limestone subsoil. The vineyard's microclimate is very warm, making for an earlier harvest than its neighbors.

Predominantly red, the vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sémillon and Sauvignon are the master grape varieties for white wines.

Estate wines

If we had to mention just a few of the estate's wines, we'd undoubtedly be talking about the 2006 vintage of Château Laville Haut-Brion! A nose of tropical fruit and white citrus that compels us to go further. On the palate, beautiful concentration and an unspeakable finish. As for the 1993 vintage, it delivers an elegant, full-bodied, robust palate of spicy fruit and honey.

The Château Haut-Brion range grows stronger with time. We're sure to find that famous smoky taste that reminds us of the terroirs of Pessac. The Château Haut-Brion 2016 and 2018 vintages have nothing to envy each other. The 2016 vintage releases morello cherry and blackcurrant aromas on the nose, which are echoed on the palate, leaving us with a long finish and firm tannins. In contrast, the 2018 vintage delivers aromas of licorice and cinnamon on the nose. On the palate, fresh red fruit aromas release a mineral finish. Unsurprisingly, the 1996 vintage expresses all the complexity of Cabernet Franc, with aromas of undergrowth and black olives. As you can see, Château Haut-Brion wines have nothing to envy their neighbors.

Geographical location of the estate

Predominantly red, the vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sémillon and Sauvignon are the master grape varieties for white wines.