Château Haut-Brion Premier Grand Cru Classé (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Château Haut-Brion presents a deep ruby color with slight garnet hues at the edges, indicating its maturity. The nose is intricate, featuring aromas of cedar, dried herbs, smoke, and black cherries, complemented by subtle notes of plums and currants. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, offering a round and concentrated experience with a velvety texture. The wine showcases beautifully integrated alcohol, acidity, and tannins, leading to a harmonious and elegant finish. As the only First Growth from the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Château Haut-Brion has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, making this vintage a testament to its enduring legacy.

About the grape

Château Haut-Brion, located in Pessac-Léognan, France, cultivates a blend of grape varieties for its red wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Merlot, comprising about 45.4% of the vineyard's red grape plantings, contributes to the wine's softness and fruitiness. Cabernet Sauvignon, at 43.9%, adds structure and aging potential. Cabernet Franc, making up 9.7%, introduces aromatic complexity, while the 1% of Petit Verdot provides additional depth and color. This combination reflects the estate's commitment to producing balanced and age-worthy wines.

Quick facts

• 📍 Château Haut-Brion is the only First Growth wine 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, enhancing wine quality and consistency.
• ⛰️ The estate's name, 'Haut-Brion,' originates from the Celtic word 'Briga,' meaning a rise or mound in the land, reflecting its unique terroir.
• 📜 In 1663, English diarist Samuel Pepys wrote about tasting 'a sort of French wine called Ho Bryen that hath a good and most particular taste,' marking one of the earliest recorded mentions of a specific wine.
• 🍷 The 1985 vintage of Château Haut-Brion is renowned for its elegance and complexity, featuring aromas of cedar, dried herbs, smoke, and black cherries, with a velvety texture and harmonious balance.

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.