1978 Château Haut-Brion, Péssac-Léognan

Vinification takes place in unique, double-skinned, stainless steel vats. Interestingly, Chateau Haut Brion was one of the first Bordeaux chateaus to begin using stainless steel for vinification. This took place in 1961. The double-skinned, stainless steel vats were first introduced at Chateau Haut Brion in 1991. The wine is aged in up to 100% new, French oak for as long as 24 months, depending on the strength and character of the vintage. As much as 70% of the barrels used by Haut Brion are produced at their own onsite cooperage. They do this in cooperation with the Seguin Moreau company. The blending for Chateau Haut Brion takes place shortly after Malolactic fermentation is finished and before the aging process in the barrel has started. This is because the property feels it’s better to blend the wines before the influence of the wood begins to be felt in the wine.