The oldest of Bordeaux’s five first growths and the only property outside the Medoc to be included in the 1855 Classification, Chateau Haut-Brion was founded by Jean de Pontac in 1533. The name derives from the Celtic word briga, meaning “hill” or “high place”, and refers to the gravelly elevated terrain situated between the Le Peuge and Le Serpent streams.

History shows that as early as 1660, Haut-Brion wines were already appreciated at royal tables as evidenced by the purchase of 169 bottles by King Charles II of England, noted in the royal cellar book. Among the wine’s admirers are the famous London diarist Samuel Pepys, and Thomas Jefferson, who had distinguished the wine’s quality long before the 1855 Classification.

Arnaud III de Pontac was responsible for building the estate’s international reputation and for creating a new style of wine that is the basis for all currently classified growths - an era which historians have described as a revolution in winemaking.

Chateau Haut-Brion was acquired by the American financier Clarence Dillon on May 13, 1935 and has been managed by the same family since. Much of the estate’s success is also credited to the Delmas family, who have worked the estate for three generations. Nearly five centuries after the creation of its vineyard and 350 years after the first published mention under its current name, Chateau Haut-Brion remains one of the finest wines in the world today.

Haut-Brion’s grand vin is the embodiment of five centuries of tradition and plays a pivotal role in the worldwide history of wine. It is the oldest of the Bordeaux classed growths, the inventor of a new style of wine fashioned in the seventeenth century, and considered the world’s first luxury brand.

Typically more Merlot dominant than other Left Bank wines, the terroir of Haut-Brion is expressed through its empyreumatic bouquet (Havana cigars, chocolate, roasting, cedar wood, and so on). The attack is restrained, with precise yet exceedingly soft tannins. But the power of this wine is revealed in the surprising long mid-palate and even longer finish.

The 1986 Haut Brion is a wine that exudes elegance and sophistication. This Bordeaux Blend hails from the esteemed Pessac Leognan region in Bordeaux, France, and it showcases the true craftsmanship of the renowned Haut Brion producer. With a deep red color that shimmers in the glass, this wine is a sight to behold.

On the nose, the 1986 Haut Brion offers a captivating bouquet that is both complex and vibrant. Scents of dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta, and cigar humidor intermingle, creating a symphony of aromas that entice the senses. This wine truly captivates with its depth and character.

Upon tasting, the palate is met with a wine that is exceptionally well balanced. While it may display a touch of rusticity compared to more recent vintages, it compensates with a firm body and gripping tannins. After 30 years of aging, the 1986 Haut Brion still manages to maintain a remarkable level of freshness and focus. It is a wine that offers plenty of drinking pleasure for those who appreciate a classic claret with a capital "C."

Renowned wine critic Neal Martin describes the 1986 Haut Brion as a wine that is ready for business. With a score of 93 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and an impressive 96 from Vinous, it is evident that this wine has garnered high praise from experts in the field. The Margaux-like intensity on the bouquet, the excellent minerality, and the beautifully balanced palate all contribute to the exceptional quality of this vintage.

For those seeking a wine that embodies the essence of Bordeaux, the 1986 Haut Brion is a superb choice. With its refined structure, complex aromas, and impeccable balance, it is a wine that will leave a lasting impression on any discerning palate.