Of all the premier cru's in 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 - here in the 17th century the first Bordeaux was made from one vineyard, first served in London's coffee houses and praised by many distinguished writers. In 1935, the winery was purchased by Clarence Dillon, an American banker. He invested large amounts in the renovation of the chai and the vineyard. In 1960, Haut-Brion became the first premier cru in which the wooden barrels were replaced by 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 cru's, but that casual, young charm is deceptive, because the wine matures beautifully.
