Of all the premier crus of Bordeaux, Haut-Brion is the greatest charmer, always elegant and refined and always in top condition, young or old. Haute Brion is the oldest and historically the most colorful winery in the Gironde - it was here that the first Bordeaux was made from a single vineyard in the 17th century, first served in London coffeehouses and praised by many eminent writers. In 1935 the estate was bought by Clarence Dillon, an American banker. He invested large sums in the renovation of the chai and the vineyard. In 1960 Haut-Brion became the first premier cru to replace wooden barrels with stainless steel tanks. In 1983 the Dillon family bought the adjacent Château la Mission Haut-Brion. Haut-Brion is almost always the fastest maturing and most accessible of the premier crus, but that casual, young charm is deceptive, as the wine ages beautifully.
