2020 Carmes Haut Brion

In 1584, Jean de Pontac, the lord of Haut-Brion, donated several acres of meadows and vines to the Carmelite Order. This show of favour doubtless had a hint of predestination about it: the members of the congregation took their name from Mount Carmel, which literally means ‘God’s vineyard’. They cared for the land for nearly two centuries, showing the same devotion in both their penance and their wine production. After being confiscated during the French Revolution, the estate was purchased by the Léon Colin family in 1840. Their descendants the Chantecailles put years of work into enhancing the property, adding a chateau and landscaped grounds, before selling it to Patrice Pichet in 2010. From one family to the next, these limited changes of ownership have helped to preserve the spirit and magic of the site. Key Points - A very small production - 55% of whole bunches, 100% by infusion in the 2020 vintage - The only château in the heart of Bordeaux - A majority of Cabernet Franc in the blend - A high quality and very well rated wine Plots used to make the Grand Vin 7.60 ha Average age of the vines in 2020 43 years-old Soil Types Mindel graves on clay and limestone Vats used Thermoregulated tanks: Tronconic stainless steel tanks (60Hl) Wooden tanks (76 Hl) Concrete tanks (50 Hl) Initial fermentation 35 days Barrel maturing 80% new oak barrels 11% foudres 9% terracotta amphorae/standstone Duration 24 months Noteworthy features of the vinification and / or maturing processes No crushing, partly in entire bunch