Chateau Haut-BrionProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: First Growth

Château Haut-Brion, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, is one of the most historic and revered wine estates in the world. As one of the original five First Growths classified in 1855, Haut-Brion holds a special place in Bordeaux’s wine heritage. Known for producing wines of unparalleled elegance, complexity, and longevity, Haut-Brion has been a benchmark for fine wine for centuries. Its illustrious history, combined with its unique terroir and commitment to excellence, makes Château Haut-Brion a true icon in the wine world.

History of Château Haut-Brion

The history of Château Haut-Brion dates back to the 16th century, making it the oldest of the Bordeaux First Growths. The estate was founded in 1533 by Jean de Pontac, who began planting vines on the property. Haut-Brion quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, and by the 17th century, it was a favourite among European nobility. The wine’s reputation was further solidified in 1660 when it became the first Bordeaux wine to be mentioned in a royal document, with King Charles II of England praising its quality.

In 1663, Samuel Pepys, the famous English diarist, wrote about Haut-Brion, noting that it was "the wine of Ho-Bryan that hath a good and most particular taste that I never met with." This mention is often cited as one of the earliest records of a wine being described in a way that highlights its unique character, setting the stage for modern wine criticism.

In the 19th century, Château Haut-Brion was officially recognized as one of the best wines in Bordeaux when it was included as a First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. This distinction further cemented Haut-Brion’s status as one of the world’s greatest wines. The estate continued to flourish under various owners, including the American financier Clarence Dillon, who purchased the property in 1935. The Dillon family still owns Château Haut-Brion today, with Prince Robert of Luxembourg, a descendant of Clarence Dillon, overseeing the estate.

The Terroir of Château Haut-Brion

The terroir of Château Haut-Brion is one of its most defining characteristics, contributing significantly to the unique style and quality of its wines. The estate’s 51 hectares of vineyards are located in the northern part of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, just a few miles from the city of Bordeaux. The vineyards are planted on well-drained gravelly soils, which are interspersed with clay and sand. These soils are ideal for growing the classic Bordeaux grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The vineyard is planted with 48% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects Haut-Brion’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and elegant, with Merlot providing richness and suppleness, Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and longevity, and Cabernet Franc contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.

One of the unique aspects of Haut-Brion’s terroir is its microclimate, which is influenced by its proximity to the city of Bordeaux. The urban environment creates a slightly warmer climate, which helps the grapes ripen fully and develop the complex flavours that are characteristic of Haut-Brion wines. The combination of gravelly soils and a unique microclimate allows Château Haut-Brion to produce wines that are both concentrated and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.