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100 By Robert Parker
91 By Wine Spectator
One of my all-time favorite vintages for this estate is the 1953 Haut-Brion, a magical bottle of wine that attains a level of quality that's hard to surpass. Soaring from the glass with a striking bouquet of sweet red berries, cigar box, black truffles, exotic spices, rose petals and incense, it's full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with terrific concentration and a sumptuous, supple profile that lends the wine immense charm and appeal. Concluding with a long, expansive and fragrant finish, its pristine balance and aromatic range are to be tasted to be believed.
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Château Haut Brion
One of the four original properties classified as a First Growth in the famous 1855 Classification, Château Haut-Brion is even more unique for the fact that they were the only property outside of Médoc to be included. The château has had a long history in viticulture, dating further back than its Médoc Grand Cru Classé counterparts, making this estate a true Graves idol. Situated just southwest of Bordeaux’s city center, the 51-hectare property belongs to the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Dominated by red plantings, a mere three hectares of vineyards are dedicated to the growth of their lightly oaked white varieties, Sémillion and Sauvignon Blanc. Today the property is under the same ownership as Château La Mission Haut-Brion and La Tour Haut-Brion. The Dillon family is represented by Prince Robert Dillon of Luxembourg who now runs the estate. When compared to the larger First Growths, Château Haut-Brion has a rather small production of magnificent reds and whites. The estate’s second wine, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion can almost rival the exquisite Grand Vin, Haut-Brion that contains a high percentage of Merlot. The château also produces a barrel-fermented Haut-Brion Blanc, along with a second white, made from both Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, labeled as La Clarté de Haut-Brion.