Château Haut-Brion (Red)

WHY BUY IT ?

  • First Grand Cru Classé of 1855
  • The care given to the culture of the vine of this Castle in the middle of the city is very important and gives a wine of very high quality
  • Its ability to age makes it a stunning wine after twenty years and even much more
  • The men work under the direction of Jean-Philippe Delmas, in a modern vat room
  • Winemaking is conducted with art, everything contributes to the success of a field that produces very large reds.
  • The terroir expresses itself in this wine with a unique signature
  • Another Bordeaux Tradition favorite for this exceptional wine, perhaps the greatest Bordeaux wine

History

The history of Château Haut-Brion, the oldest of Bordeaux’s Grands Crus, lasted five centuries. Its name refers to the Gascon toponym “Haut Brion” which designates a gravelly terrace. Jean de Pontac (1488-1589) bought the noble house of Haut-Brion, giving birth to a large vineyard whose durability will be assured over the centuries. He undertook the construction of the Castle in 1549. The historian Paul Roudie will not hesitate to qualify the residence of “first castle authentically vinicole”.

In 1855, Haut Brion rose to the rank of Premier Cru Classé. In 1935, Château Haut-Brion was acquired by the American banker Clarence Dillon. Later in 1939, he turned it into a hospital to accommodate the wounded officers of the French army. Since then, the property is still part of the same family, but winemaking is now the only activity of the esate, where several white and red wines are created.

Terroir

The vineyard of Château Haut-Brion is composed of 48 hectares planted with 45.4% Merlot, 43.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. As for all Grands Crus Classés, the greatest care is brought to the vines and the harvest. Later on, the fermentation is done in oak barrels. for a period of 18 to 22 months of which 80% of the barrels are new. The average production is of 10,000 to 12,000 cases a year.

Tasting

At the tasting, the power of Château Haut-Brion Rouge is gradually revealed. It offers an aromatic persistence and a surprisingly long finish, privilege of very great origins.

L’équipe du Château

  • Owner: Domaine Clarence Dillon SA
  • Chief Executive Officer: Duchess de MOUCHY
  • General Manager : Prince ROBERT DE LUXEMBOURG
  • Chief Operating Officer: Jean-Philippe DELMAS
  • Head of culture: Pascal BARATIE
  • Oenologist and cellar master: Jean-Philippe MASCLEF

Other wines of the property