1980 Château Haut-Brion, Péssac-Léognan

*This bottle has a damaged front label.

Haut-Brion is the oldest of the five First Growths and the only one to be found in Graves. The first of the original four first growths to be classified in 1855, it is one of the most illustrious names in Bordeaux, commanding a dedicated following and lofty prices. There is evidence that grapes have been grown here since Roman times and its wine was as loved 500 years ago as it is today. Mentions have been found in the 1660 cellar records of King Charles II, in the diaries of Samuel Pepys and, in 1787, praise was bestowed from Thomas Jefferson during his visit to Bordeaux. The estate was divided up in 1694 when the last member of its owners, the Pontac family, died childless. Although it was reunited in 1840, it wasn’t until American banker Charles Dillon bought it in 1935 that Haut-Brion achieved stability and it remains with the Dillon family today. The 51 hectares of vineyards are planted with Merlot, which makes up the majority of the Grand Vin’s blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Haut-Brion also makes a white and nearly 3 hectares are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.