
The magnificent
Château Haut-Brion
AOC Pessac-LeognanRed wine
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
13.5%
Barrel
16°C
Perfect with braised lamb with herbs, entrecôte Bordelaise or game dishes such as venison ragout. A mature Comté or a spicy blue cheese also harmonise wonderfully with the richness and structure of this vintage.
The history of Château Haut-Brion dates back to the 16th century, when Jean de Pontac acquired the estate and had the current château built. The first written references to the ‘Cru de Haulbrion’ date back to 1521 , making Haut-Brion one of the oldest named wines in the world. In 1855, it was the only estate outside the Médoc to be elevated to the rank of Premier Cru. The Dillon family has been running the estate since 1935, now under Prince Robert of Luxembourg, thus preserving the legend of Pessac-Léognan.
The 2011 Haut-Brion is a deep red with intense aromas of ripe black fruit, underpinned by cocoa, liquorice and the estate's typical smoky notes. Elegant on the palate, it quickly gains strength without ever seeming harsh. The tannins are finely coated, the structure balanced, and the finish long and expressive.
The grapes of Château Haut-Brion are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. Each parcel is vinified separately to preserve the specific characteristics of the terroir. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before the wine is aged for around 18 to 22 months in French barriques – traditionally with a high proportion of new wood. This creates the unmistakable structure and elegance of the Premier Cru.
The vineyards of Château Haut-Brion are located in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, on gravelly and sandy soils with a clay subsoil. This typical ‘Graves’ structure provides optimal drainage and warmth, offering ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
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