Among Bordeaux’s Premier Grand Cru Classé estates, Château Haut-Brion stands apart—not just in reputation, but in geography, history, and style. While its First Growth peers reside in the Médoc, Haut-Brion is the only Left Bank First Growth located in Pessac-Léognan, an appellation south of Bordeaux that is known for its distinctive gravelly soils and wines of unparalleled elegance. Haut-Brion is more than just a First Growth—it is the oldest and most historically significant of them all, with a legacy that stretches back over 500 years. The estate's origins date back to 1525, when Jean de Pontac began assembling vineyards on this extraordinary terroir. By the 17th century, Haut-Brion was already considered one of the world’s finest wines, famously praised by Samuel Pepys in his 1663 diary, making it one of the first Bordeaux wines to be recognized internationally. This deep-rooted prestige was solidified in 1855, when Haut-Brion was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé, joining the Médoc’s most celebrated châteaux. Haut-Brion’s vineyards cover around 51 hectares, planted with a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with the proportions varying depending on the vintage. Unlike some of its more tannic and powerful First Growth counterparts, Haut-Brion is celebrated for its silky texture, aromatic complexity, and refined depth. The estate also produces one of the greatest white wines of Bordeaux, Château Haut-Brion Blanc, made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon—an extremely rare and sought-after wine that rivals even the finest reds in prestige. Under the ownership of the Dillon family since 1935, Haut-Brion has continued to thrive, merging its centuries-old traditions with modern innovation. The château was among the first in Bordeaux to introduce temperature-controlled fermentation, a technique that is now standard practice worldwide. Its commitment to precision and excellence ensures that each vintage remains a true reflection of its remarkable terroir. Unlike its Médoc First Growth counterparts, Haut-Brion often reveals its greatness earlier in life, yet it still has the ability to age gracefully for 50 years or more. Its signature style—a blend of smoky, earthy depth with an almost Burgundian finesse—sets it apart, making it one of the most intellectually compelling and sensorially rewarding wines in the world. Beyond the Grand Vin, the estate produces Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, a second wine that showcases the château’s style in a more accessible form, as well as La Clarté de Haut-Brion, a rare and exquisite white wine shared with its sister estate, Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Château Haut-Brion is more than just a First Growth—it is the First Growth, a Bordeaux legend that has stood the test of time, continuously redefining what it means to make truly great wine.