Why it matters
The producer
Château Haut-Brion is a Premier Cru Classé château in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves. Château Haut-Brion is the red wine, and Haut-Brion Blanc is the separately named white wine. The red and white wines use different Bordeaux grape varieties.
In the 1960s, Haut-Brion became the first of the great growths to innovate with new stainless steel fermentation vats. Stainless steel does not add oak flavour and supports close temperature control during fermentation.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Pessac is the local place, Graves the wider Bordeaux area, and Pessac-Léognan the appellation attached to Château Haut-Brion. The appellation covers both red and white grape varieties at the château.
Wines to know
The range in view
Named wines include Château Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion Blanc. Château Haut-Brion 2022 is composed of 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc. Haut-Brion Blanc 2022 is composed of 51.4% Sémillon and 48.6% Sauvignon Blanc. The red needs at least 12-20 years of ageing before displaying true character.