Château Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion, nestled in the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation within Bordeaux's Graves region, stands as an enduring icon of winemaking excellence. With a storied history tracing back to the 16th century, the estate has evolved under various owners and is currently under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon, overseen by the American financier Prince Robert of Luxembourg.
Haut-Brion holds the rare distinction of being classified as a first-growth (Premier Grand Cru Classé) in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855. The estate's vineyards, graced by gravelly and sandy soils, are planted with classic Bordeaux grape varieties. For the red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The white wines are skillfully crafted blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Renowned for its red wines, Château Haut-Brion exemplifies elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness. Dark fruit flavors harmonize with nuanced notes of tobacco, cedar, and a distinctive mineral character. The structured wines, adorned with fine tannins, possess the capacity to gracefully evolve over extended aging periods.
Equally celebrated are Haut-Brion's white wines, characterized by a refreshing blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Displaying a spectrum of flavors from citrus and tropical fruits to hints of honey and white flowers, these whites showcase freshness, complexity, and impressive aging potential.
As the only estate from Graves included in the 1855 Classification of Médoc and Graves, Château Haut-Brion's historical significance is underscored. The estate's commitment to excellence is reflected in its fusion of traditional winemaking techniques with modern advancements.
Château Haut-Brion, with its legacy deeply intertwined with Bordeaux's winemaking heritage, remains a symbol of unparalleled quality and distinction. The wines produced by this esteemed estate continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs, standing as a testament to Haut-Brion's unwavering dedication to crafting wines of extraordinary character and finesse.