1 dozen bottles per lot
Details
CHATEAU HAUT BRION
Vineyards*
Surface Area: 106.7 acres
Grape Varietals: 45 Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 Merlot, 18 Cabernet Franc Average Age of the Vines: 36 years
Density of plantation: 8,000 vines per hectare
Average Yields: 35-45 hectoliters per hectare
Haut Brion, meaning "high mound of grave," enjoys the oldest reputation in print of any wine in Bordeaux. Its most prominent early owner was Jean de Pontac (1488-1589), who built the Château, became the richest man in Bordeaux, and lived an extradordinary 101 years. The name of the Pontac family was often attached to the wine, and in 1666 Jean's great-great grandson, Francoise-Auguste, opened a tavern in London called "The Sign of Pontac's Head," where "Pontac" was sold for three times the price of any other wine. The fashionable tavern lasted for over a century.
The wine of Haut Brion first sold at Christie's under the name of "Pontac" on April 6, 1778, consigned from the cellars of the Marquis de Noailles. Nine years later the American Ambassador to France, Thomas Jefferson, travelled to Bordeaux and as history has recorded was unsuccessful in his attempt to purchase a barrique of the 1784 vintage. He had to settle for two cases of fifty bottles each and was known to enjoy and promote the wines of Haut Brion to his friends and colleagues back in a nascent America.
* Statistical data from THE WORLD'S GREATEST WINE ESTATES by Robert M. Parker, Jr. Copyright 2005 by Robert M. Parker, Jr. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Château Haut-Brion--Vintage 1995
Pessac (Graves), 1er cru classé
Both lots in original wooden cases
Parcel: lots 281-282
"This wine has been brilliant on every occasion I have tasted it. More accessible and forward than the 1996, it possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a beautiful, knock-out set of aromatics, consisting of black fruits, vanillin, spice, and wood-fire smoke. Multidimensional and rich, with layers of ripe fruit, and beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, this medium to full-bodied wine is a graceful, seamless, exceptional Haut-Brion that should drink surprisingly well young. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #115 (Feb 1998)
1 dozen bottles per lot
Vineyards
Surface Area: 106.7 acres
Grape Varietals: 45 Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 Merlot, 18 Cabernet Franc Average Age of the Vines: 36 years
Density of plantation: 8,000 vines per hectare
Average Yields: 35-45 hectoliters per hectare
Haut Brion, meaning "high mound of grave," enjoys the oldest reputation in print of any wine in Bordeaux. Its most prominent early owner was Jean de Pontac (1488-1589), who built the Château, became the richest man in Bordeaux, and lived an extradordinary 101 years. The name of the Pontac family was often attached to the wine, and in 1666 Jean's great-great grandson, Francoise-Auguste, opened a tavern in London called "The Sign of Pontac's Head," where "Pontac" was sold for three times the price of any other wine. The fashionable tavern lasted for over a century.
The wine of Haut Brion first sold at Christie's under the name of "Pontac" on April 6, 1778, consigned from the cellars of the Marquis de Noailles. Nine years later the American Ambassador to France, Thomas Jefferson, travelled to Bordeaux and as history has recorded was unsuccessful in his attempt to purchase a barrique of the 1784 vintage. He had to settle for two cases of fifty bottles each and was known to enjoy and promote the wines of Haut Brion to his friends and colleagues back in a nascent America.
Château Haut-Brion--Vintage 1995
Pessac (Graves), 1er cru classé
Both lots in original wooden cases
Parcel: lots 281-282
"This wine has been brilliant on every occasion I have tasted it. More accessible and forward than the 1996, it possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a beautiful, knock-out set of aromatics, consisting of black fruits, vanillin, spice, and wood-fire smoke. Multidimensional and rich, with layers of ripe fruit, and beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, this medium to full-bodied wine is a graceful, seamless, exceptional Haut-Brion that should drink surprisingly well young. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #115 (Feb 1998)
1 dozen bottles per lot