The prestigious Château Haut-Brion surprises by the number of first places it occupies in many situations. Created in 1553 by Jean de Pontac, Haut-Brion was the first wine of Bordeaux’s history to have the same name as the domain. At that time, the wines were sold anonymously. First chateau to practice techniques which are now unavoidable, such as racking or aging in oak barrels. Therefore, it will be the only classified Grand Cru in the Graves appellation in 1855, and is number 1 of course! There is no small vintage at Haut-Brion, owned by the Dillon family since 1935. In 1983, the Dillon family bought La Mission Haut-Brion, Haut-Brion's neighbour. It is always exciting to compare the different vntages of the property. In great vintages, it is perfectly able to age for several decades. Some vintages, such as the 1961 or 1989, show the incredible potential of Château Haut Brion, one of the greatest red wines in the world. The second wine of the chateau, formerly called Bahans, is now called Clarence de Haut-Brion.

The production of a second wine goes back to the 17th century. The name Château Bahans Haut Brion dates from the beginning of the 20th century, and was the name of the château and the family who used to own an area that has since been incorporated into Haut Brion's vineyard. A few years from the 75th anniversary of the property's acquisition by Clarence Dillon's family, the owners decided to rename the second wine and to bottle it in the same bottles as the first wine. Since 2007 vintage it became known as Clarence de Haut Brion. The result of rigorous vinification, Château Haut Brion's second wine, which comes from the same terroir, is perfectly balanced, developing lovely silky flavours of red fruit and tobacco.