Chateau Haut-Brion ‎Pessac, Bordeaux, France

The Haut-Brion terroir was given its name and was recognized as a “Cru” wine in 1521. About a decade later, Jean de Pontac acquired the estate and built the Chateau on a sandy area at the foot of a gravel slope. In 1855, Chateau Haut-Brion was named one of the four Premiers Grands Crus Classes along with Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, and Chateau Margaux. In 1935, Clarence Dillon, a New York banker, purchased Chateau Haut-Brion and to the present day the Dillon family cherishes and endlessly tries to improve the vines, grapes, wines, cellars, and people that are involved in the process.

The vineyard is located in Pessac facing directly opposite of Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion. The harvest is the culmination of a whole year’s work. The grapes are sorted and de-stalked by hand. When the grapes are place in a vat, the temperature is gradually raised so that fermentation can begin. Two weeks later, when the colors, tannin, and main aromas have delivered their full potential, the wines are placed in new barrels for 20 to 24 months.

Chateau Haut-Brion prides itself for the consistency in delivering the most high quality wine in Bordeaux. The mesmerizing characteristics of its terroir and perfect blending definitely stands out among other Premier Grand Crus. 2018 vintage has received 97-99+ points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.