Château Haut-Brion Blanc 1985
Pessac (Graves), cru classé
Levels: one 3cm, one 3.5cm; one torn label, rubbed and faded labels, one cut capsule reveals Château and vintage branded cork
2 bottles per lot

ABOUT THE WINE
Château Haut-Brion has been highly regarded for many centuries, being mentioned in Samuel Pepy’s diary in 1663. In 1935 Haut-Brion was bought by the American banker, Clarence Dillon. His descendants still own the estate. His grand-daughter Joan Dillon is currently the President and her son, His Royal Highness Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the Vice President and Managing Director. In 1983 the Dillons acquired the neighboring property La Mission Haut-Brion. The average age of the vines is over 35 years, with some vines dating from the 1930s. The red grapes are sorted in the vineyard, then brought to the winery and destemmed, lightly crushed to break open the skins and pumped into tanks. Indigenous yeasts are used for the alcoholic fermentation and the temperature is carefully controlled. Maceration lasts for approximately 15 days. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally due to the presence of natural lactic bacteria. The wines from different vats are blended and then transferred to predominantly new oak barrels for between 18 to 24 months. Haut-Brion has its own cooperage which ensures that the Château has complete control over the toasting of the barrels, which is normally medium-minus. Haut-Brion is renowned for the classic Graves earthy and smoky character, combined with the opulent and approachable nature provided by the higher proportion of Merlot in comparison to the other Médoc First Growths.