Nestled in the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, France stands the historic and esteemed Château les Carmes-Haut-Brion. This renowned estate shares its origins with the illustrious châteaux Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Laville Haut-Brion and La Tour Haut-Brion, all once part of the grand Haut-Brion estate owned by Jean de Pontac. Legend has it that at the remarkable age of 101, De Pontac generously gifted the land, including a water mill and vineyards, to the Carmelite order in 1584. For centuries, the devoted Carmelite monks tended to the estate, which eventually became known as Les Carmes Haut-Brion.
However, the French Revolution saw the confiscation and auction of the property to Léon Colin. This marked the beginning of a long lineage of ownership by Colin's descendants, the Chantecaille-Furt family, who maintained the estate until the 21st century. Then, in November 2010, the property was sold to real estate executive Patrice Pichet for an astounding €18 million, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a Bordeaux estate.
Under the guidance of renowned consultant oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt and former co-owner of Château Talbot, Thierry Rustmann, Les Carmes Haut-Brion has continued to produce exceptional wines. The estate spans 4.7 hectares, with a diverse variety of grapes including 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique blend results in the production of approximately 1,800 cases of the red grand vin Château les Carmes Haut-Brion each year, as well as 200 cases of the second wine, Le Clos des Carmes.
With such a rich history and esteemed reputation, it is no surprise that Château les Carmes-Haut-Brion is considered one of the most prestigious and sought-after producers in the Bordeaux region. From its origins as part of the Haut-Brion estate to its recent record-breaking sale, this estate continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its exceptional wines and storied past.
