Partly, no doubt, owing to its historic reputation, Haut-Brion was the only non-Medoc to be included in the famous 1855 classification of the wines of Bordeaux. Enclosed in the Bordeaux suburb of Pessac, the chateau building dates from the 16th century, and the 45ha/111acres of vineyards are composed of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon vines, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 37% Merlot. Average production is 13,000 cases, including a second wine, Ch Bahans-Haut-Brion, since 1976 sold with a vintage date. The property’s rare dry white wine, Haut-Brion Blanc, is made from about 63% Semillon and 37% Sauvignon Blanc vines planted on 2.7ha.
This supple, stylish, medium- to full-bodied Grand Vin has surprisingly dense flavour for the weight, and a chocolaty-violet character. Haut-Brion develops quickly and ages gracefully.
Second wine – Bahans Haut-Brion