Chateau Haut-Brion - Blanc - Pessac-Léognan - 2008 | 1er Grand Cru Classé (First Growth)

History:
The history of Château Haut-Brion refers to the Gascon toponym “Haut Brion” which designates the gravelly terrace located between the streams of the Peugue and the Serpent. Jean de Pontac (1488-1589) bought the noble house of Haut-Brion, giving birth to a large winery whose durability will be assured over the centuries. He undertook the construction of the Castle in 1549. The historian Paul Roudie will not hesitate to qualify the residence of “first castle authentically vinicole”.
In 1855, Haut Brion rose to the rank of Premier Cru Classé. Later on, in 1935, Château Haut-Brion was acquired by the American banker Clarence Dillon. In 1939, he turned it into a hospital to accommodate the wounded officers of the French army. Since then, the property is still part of the same family. The estate creates several white and red wines.

Terroir & Vinification:
With a terroir of less than three hectares and a confidential annual production, Château Haut-Brion Blanc is the most sought-after dry white wine in Bordeaux. This vintage mixes almost equal both Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties. The ambition of the Larrieu family, former owners of the Château, was to obtain the aromatic fullness of a liquoreux in a dry wine. Their dream has been fulfilled. The vines in the vineyard are 52.6% Sémillon and 47.4% Sauvignon Blanc. The n the fermentation is done in oak barrels for a period of 9 to 12 months of which 50% of the barrels are new. Average production of Château Haut-Brion white is 450 to 650 cases per year.