Château Haut Brion 1981

Chateau Haut Brion is an exception to the Bordeaux classification established in 1855, as the winery is not located in the prescribed appellation due to its location in the Graves region. However, due to its outstanding reputation at the time, Haut Brion managed to be included in the classification and achieved the rank of premier grand cru classé alongside Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Margaux and Chateau Latour. The wines of Chateau Haut Brion have always differed significantly from those of Margaux, Pauillac, St. Julien and the rest of the Haut Médoc. Haut Brion used to be located on the outskirts of the city of Bordeaux, but today this has changed and the city has continued to develop, eventually completely enclosing the Haut Brion estate. This created a very individual microclimate which supports the wines of Chateau Haut Brion. 45 per cent of the vineyards at Chateau Haut Brion are planted with Merlot, 40 per cent with Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 per cent with Cabernet Franc. The total area of Haut Brion is 42.50 hectares, making it one of the small 1er cru classé estates. In addition to the outstanding first wine, Chateau Haut Brion also produces a very good second wine called Bahans de Chateau Haut Brion and a sensational white Graves as Haut Brion Blanc. The total production at Haut Brion is approximately 200,000 0.75 bottles, depending on the vintage and quality level.