Bordeaux

Château Haut-Brion: The Historic First Growth of Pessac-Léognan Château Haut-Brion holds a unique place in the world of fine wine. As the oldest of Bordeaux’s five "First Growth" (Premier Cru Classé) estates and the only one located outside the Médoc, it represents a legacy of innovation, elegance, and unrivaled complexity. Five Centuries of Winemaking Excellence With a history dating back to 1521, Château Haut-Brion is the pioneer of the "Grand Vin" style. It was the first estate to introduce long aging in oak barrels and meticulous cellar techniques that we now associate with luxury Bordeaux. Since 1935, the estate has been under the stewardship of the Dillon family, who have combined a respect for tradition with cutting-edge viticulture to maintain its legendary status. The Unique Terroir of Graves Located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation (formerly part of Graves), the estate is situated on two large hillocks of gravel. This unique soil, composed of small stones and clay, provides perfect drainage and a distinct mineral character that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The Vineyard: The red wine blend typically features Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This high proportion of Merlot, compared to its Médoc counterparts, gives Haut-Brion its signature velvet-like texture. Urban Microclimate: The vineyard’s proximity to the city of Bordeaux creates a slightly warmer microclimate, allowing for an earlier harvest and exceptional grape ripeness. Tasting Profile: The "Cigar Box" Elegance Château Haut-Brion is world-renowned for its aromatic complexity and earthiness. Unlike the sheer power of Latour or the perfume of Margaux, Haut-Brion is celebrated for: Aromas: A mesmerizing bouquet of smoke, tobacco, cedar (the famous "cigar box" note), and dark berries. Palate: A silky, refined texture with incredible depth and a long, savory finish. Longevity: These wines are built for the ages, often reaching their peak after 20 to 50 years of careful cellaring. Rare White Wine: Château Haut-Brion Blanc While famous for its reds, the estate also produces Château Haut-Brion Blanc, arguably the greatest dry white wine in Bordeaux. Produced in extremely limited quantities from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, it is a masterpiece of richness, acidity, and aging potential. The Portfolio of Wines Château Haut-Brion (Grand Vin): The ultimate expression of the estate’s historic terroir. Le Clarence de Haut-Brion: The prestigious second wine (formerly Château Bahans Haut-Brion), offering a more accessible introduction to the estate's style. La Clarté de Haut-Brion: The second white wine, shared with its sister estate, Château La Mission Haut-Brion.

Château Latour: The Pinnacle of Power and Longevity in Pauillac Château Latour is widely regarded as the most consistent and powerful of the five "First Growth" (Premier Cru Classé) estates in Bordeaux. Located in the heart of the Pauillac appellation, it produces wines of immense structure, legendary aging potential, and unparalleled prestige. A Legacy of Strength and Tradition Named after the historic "Saint-Lambert" tower that has guarded the estate since the 14th century, Château Latour has been a symbol of excellence for hundreds of years. Under the ownership of François Pinault since 1993, the estate has undergone significant modernization while remaining fiercely dedicated to the traditional techniques that define the "Latour style." The Terroir: The Magic of "L'Enclos" The soul of Château Latour lies in its unique terroir. The estate is situated on the banks of the Gironde estuary, which creates a microclimate that protects the vines from frost and ensures steady ripening. L’Enclos: This is the prestigious 47-hectare heart of the vineyard. Only grapes grown in this specific area are used to produce the Grand Vin. The soil consists of deep gravel and clay, providing the perfect foundation for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Blend: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (often over 90%), the wines are characterized by their deep color, firm tannins, and intense concentration. Purity Through Organic & Biodynamic Farming Château Latour is a pioneer of sustainability among Bordeaux’s elite. In 2018, it became the first of the First Growth estates to achieve 100% Organic Certification. Furthermore, the estate utilizes biodynamic practices across its vineyards to ensure that the wine is a pure, unadulterated expression of its environment. A Revolutionary Commercial Strategy In 2012, Château Latour changed the wine industry by withdrawing from the En Primeur (futures) system. Instead of selling wine while it is still in the barrel, the estate now matures the wine in its own cellars, releasing it to the market only when it has reached its ideal drinking window. This ensures perfect provenance and quality for every bottle sold. Tasting the Legend: The Wines of Latour Château Latour (Grand Vin): A majestic wine known for its notes of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and leather. It is arguably the most long-lived wine in the world, often requiring decades to reach its peak. Les Forts de Latour: Recognized as one of the best "second wines" in existence, crafted with the same precision as the Grand Vin but from vineyards outside L’Enclos. Le Pauillac de Château Latour: An elegant and accessible introduction to the estate’s style, made primarily from younger vines.

Château Margaux: The Epitome of Elegance and Bordeaux Excellence Château Margaux is not merely a winery; it is a legendary estate that defines the pinnacle of French winemaking. As one of the five original "First Growth" (Premier Cru Classé) properties established in the 1855 Classification, it remains a global benchmark for prestige, quality, and timeless elegance. A Heritage of Excellence With a history dating back to the 12th century, Château Margaux has spent centuries perfecting the art of viticulture. The estate is home to the iconic neo-Palladian villa, often called the "Versailles of the Médoc," which serves as a symbol of the estate's commitment to beauty and tradition. Since 1977, under the ownership of the Mentzelopoulos family, the estate has reached new heights of precision and global acclaim. The Unique Terroir of the Margaux Appellation The secret behind the distinctive character of Château Margaux lies in its exceptional terroir. The vineyard’s soil is composed of a high concentration of white gravel, which provides natural drainage and reflects heat, allowing the grapes to ripen to perfection. The Blend: Primarily dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which provides structure and longevity, complemented by Merlot for roundness, and touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc for complexity. Sustainable Viticulture: The estate employs organic farming practices and meticulous hand-harvesting to ensure only the finest fruit reaches the cellar. Innovation Meets Tradition: The Norman Foster Cellar While deeply rooted in history, Château Margaux embraces the future. In 2015, the estate inaugurated a new winery and research center designed by the world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster. This state-of-the-art facility blends seamlessly with the historic buildings, providing the technical tools necessary to refine the winemaking process even further. Tasting Notes: The "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove" Château Margaux is world-famous for its "fragrance"—a complex bouquet that is both powerful and delicate. Aromas: Hints of violets, blackcurrants, and fine spices. Palate: Known for its silky tannins and a lingering, ethereal finish. Aging Potential: A bottle of Château Margaux is an investment, capable of evolving and improving in the cellar for several decades.