2018 Château Haut Brion

The origins of Haut-Brion trace back to the first century AD when the first vines were planted on its gravelly hillsides. Throughout its illustrious history, Château Haut-Brion has consistently held the distinction of being a trailblazer. In 1521, it achieved the remarkable status of being the first Bordeaux estate to bear the name of its terroir rather than its owner or parish—a pioneering move that marked the birth of the world's first luxury wine brand. In 1855, it earned the prestigious title of Premier Grand Cru Classé, a rare honor bestowed upon it as the sole non-Médoc vintage to receive such recognition. Furthermore, it holds the Grand Cru Classé de Graves classification, making it the sole estate to boast both prestigious designations, further enhancing its uniqueness. In 1935, Clarence Dillon's acquisition of Château Haut-Brion led to the restoration of its former glory, returning it to the exclusive circle of the world's most legendary wines. This bold and visionary undertaking continues today, led by the fourth generation of the Dillon family, represented by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, who has served as Chairman and CEO since 2008. Situated alongside Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Haut-Brion shares the same gravelly terrace—an ideal terrain for cultivating vines, known as 'Haut-Brion' on ancient maps and deeds. The estate's vineyards span an impressive 51 hectares, with 48 hectares dedicated to red grape varieties and approximately 3 hectares reserved for white grape varieties. Each year, the wines crafted at Haut-Brion reflect the essence of this exceptional terroir, epitomizing its quintessence.