# Château Haut-Brion (2015)

- **Producer:** Château Haut-Brion
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 42%, Cabernet Franc 8%
- **Region:** Graves, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.9%
- **Average price:** €686
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, cassis, blueberry, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, cedar, smoke, chocolate, tobacco, wet earth, graphite, tapenade, crushed rocks, unsmoked cigars

## About this wine

Château Haut-Brion, a Premier Grand Cru Classé from Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, is one of the oldest and most revered wine estates in the region. Its history stretches back to the 16th century, establishing it as a pioneer in luxury wine. The estate is currently managed by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, continuing a tradition of excellence under the Dillon family's ownership since 1935. Haut-Brion's unique terroir, characterized by ancient gravelly soils, contributes to its distinctive character. The 2015 vintage, shaped by a warm and dry growing season, is a prime example of the estate's ability to produce wines of exceptional power, complexity, and longevity, earning widespread critical acclaim.

## Interesting facts

- Haut-Brion is the only First Growth estate not located in the Médoc.
- It's considered the world's first luxury wine brand, with a history dating back to the 16th century.
- The estate pioneered double-skinned stainless steel fermentation vats in 1961.
- The 2015 vintage achieved perfect 100-point scores from multiple renowned critics.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body, high tannins, and pronounced intensity are beautifully complemented by rich protein sources, which soften the tannins. Savory and earthy notes in the wine find echoes in dishes featuring mushrooms, herbs, and roasted meats, creating harmonious flavor bridges.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Château Haut-Brion begins with hand-harvesting and rigorous sorting of the grapes to ensure only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation occurs in the estate's distinctive double-skinned stainless steel vats, a technique that allows for precise control over extraction and temperature, contributing to the wine's structure and aromatic complexity. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a critical blending process before being aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, with a high percentage of new oak. This aging period is crucial for developing the wine's texture, integrating its components, and adding layers of nuanced flavor.