For years I have admired one of the most famous houses in Bordeaux. Chateau Haut-Brion is one of the world’s great historic wineries of France, and is one of five to achieve the Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth). Located in Pessac, right outside the town of Bordeaux, the winery itself is outside the city, which is rather intriguing as this is the only first growth from the Pessac-Leognan appellation. A visit there is a must, as I had a fantastic visit a few years back. Remarkably there are historical records of the cultivation of this property dating back to 1423. The property was bought by Jean de Ségur in 1509, and in 1525 was owned by Admiral Philippe de Chabot. The estate Château Haut-Brion dates back to April 1525 when Jean de Pontac married Jeanne de Bellon, and in 1533 the Admiral bought the title to the domain of Haut-Brion, while construction actual chateau commenced in 1549. Remarkably there are first records of Chateau Haut-Brion wine found in the wine cellar ledger of the English King Charles II in 1660. In 1787, former United States President, Thomas Jefferson, visited Chateau Haut-Brion and his notes ranked Chateau Haut-Brion among the four estates of first quality in Bordeaux. It is well-known that Jefferson had a great deal of Chateau Haut-Brion in his personal collection and was a longtime admirer of this house.
Fast forward to the twentieth-century, following a series of unsuccessful owners during difficult times, the American banker Clarence Dillon purchased Chteau Haut-Brion in 1935 for roughly 2 million Francs. Dillon quickly turned around the quality of the wines, investing heavily into the property. Chateau Haut-Brion devotes nearly 120 acres to the production of their red wines, while a mere 7.1 acres are planted to white varietals (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon).
Walking along the vineyards, you are just amazed with how close to town everything is. There are even condos that have been recently built that overlook the vineyards. Hopefully one is for sale! The iconic chateau lies in the center of the property and it literally gave me the chills thinking about the history of all that have graced this famed property.
I recently had the chance to taste the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion, which came from a challenging vintage. This was my second visit to this wine in several years. The 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion Bordeaux (OB, 94) is a wonderful effort from this vintage. It is truly peaking right now and doesn’t seem like it will gain more depth. Learn more about this famed chateau at https://www.haut-brion.com Here is my review of the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion.
2011 Chateau Haut-Brion Bordeaux- One of the best wines made in a difficult vintage, the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion shows off enoki mushrooms on the nose, alongside sandalwood, black cherries and shades of licorice. The palate is soft and refined with silky tannins that frame a core of medium bodied dark fruits, with coffee ground and stony undertones. This is elegant Bordeaux that seems to be peaking now — and will surely provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 94