Château Haut-Brion Premier Grand Cru Classé (2000)

About this wine

Château Haut-Brion 2000 presents a deep garnet color, indicating its maturity. The nose offers a complex bouquet of dark berries, cassis, and black cherry, intertwined with nuances of tobacco, cedar, and earthy truffle. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with finely integrated tannins and a perfect balance of acidity. The finish is long and elegant, showcasing the wine's remarkable aging potential. This vintage is a testament to the estate's storied legacy, combining tradition with exceptional finesse.

About the grape

In the 2000 vintage of Château Haut-Brion, the blend was composed of 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Merlot, known for its soft texture and ripe fruit flavors, thrives in the clay-rich soils of Pessac-Léognan, contributing to the wine's approachable character. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and depth, benefiting from the region's well-drained gravel soils. Cabernet Franc, though used in smaller proportions, imparts aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. Petit Verdot, while not included in this particular vintage, is occasionally used in other years to enhance color and tannic structure.

Quick facts

• 🏰 Château Haut-Brion is the only First Growth wine estate located outside the Médoc region, situated in Pessac-Léognan, near Bordeaux city.
• 🍇 In 1961, Château Haut-Brion became the first Grand Cru to use stainless steel fermentation vats, pioneering modern winemaking techniques.
• 🇺🇸 Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president, visited Château Haut-Brion in 1787 and was so impressed that he ordered 125 cases of its wine.
• ⛰️ The estate's name, 'Haut-Brion,' derives from the Celtic word 'Briga,' meaning a rise or mound in the land, reflecting its elevated terroir.
• 🛢️ Château Haut-Brion has a unique tradition of using its own cooperage, crafting barrels on-site to precisely control the wine's aging process.

Palate profile

Producer

Château Haut-Brion, established in 1525 by Jean de Pontac in the Graves region of Bordeaux, is renowned as the oldest continuously operating winery in Bordeaux. In 1660, it became the first Bordeaux estate to sell its wine under its own name, gaining immense popularity in London. Notably, in 1663, English diarist Samuel Pepys praised its unique taste, marking one of the earliest recorded wine reviews. The estate has been owned by notable figures, including Talleyrand and, since 1935, the American financier Clarence Dillon. Château Haut-Brion was also a pioneer in winemaking innovations, being the first of the great growths to use stainless steel fermentation vats in 1961.