Red dry
An iconic estate and an iconic wine. The only property outside the Médoc to have earned 1er Grand Cru Classé status in 1855, Château Haut-Brion stands as a singular voice of Pessac-Léognan—uniting the gravel soils’ minerality, the aristocratic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and the silken elegance of Merlot into one harmonious, profoundly noble expression.
2016 ranks among the greatest vintages of the decade: a cool start to the season followed by a warm, extended summer produced wines with a rare equilibrium of depth and freshness.
The aroma opens the door to the classic Haut-Brion universe: blackcurrants, blueberries, plums, graphite, tobacco leaf, cedar, a delicate smoky note, earthy undertones and fine spice. With air, the bouquet deepens into nuances of truffle, cocoa, pepper and herbal accents.
On the palate, the wine is dense yet graceful. The texture is velvety, the tannins silky and polished, giving the wine its unmistakable Pessac structure. The acidity is precise and vibrant, while the flavour profile unfolds in layers: dark berries, cedar, graphite, smoke, a gentle hint of licorice and the tension of gravelly minerality. The finish is exceptionally long, pure and resonant, with a quiet echo of herbs and spice.
Haut-Brion’s distinctiveness is shaped by its unique mix of gravel, sand and clay—one of the most singular terroirs in all of Bordeaux. This combination gives the wine its mineral backbone, subtle smokiness and aristocratic structure that seasoned tasters can identify instantly. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc reach a crystalline, refined balance found nowhere else.
The grapes are hand-harvested and rigorously sorted. Fermentation takes place in small vats, ensuring precise control of extraction. The wine is then aged for 16–20 months in French oak barrels, 50–60% of them new, adding understated luxury without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.
Serve at 17–18 °C. Pairs well with roast lamb, beef tenderloin with black pepper sauce, and truffle risotto.
When he purchased Château Haut-Brion in 1935, Clarence Dillon restored it to its former glory and to the elite circle of the most legendary wines in the world. This extraordinary, bold, courageous vision is now continued by the fourth generation of the family, represented by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Chairman since 2008.Located in the town of Pessac, just a few kilometres from Bordeaux, Château Haut-Brion – the first of the three estates acquired by the Dillon family – is the oldest winegrowing property in the region.
