Château Haut-Brion: A Timeless Bordeaux Icon

From the days of ancient Roman settlers to the era of Enlightenment thinkers, from Samuel Pepys to Thomas Jefferson and John Locke, Château Haut-Brion has inspired admiration across centuries. Its wines are celebrated not only for their exceptional quality but also as profound expressions of terroir, craftsmanship, and time.

Nestled within the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux’s historic Graves region, Haut-Brion is among the most legendary names in fine wine. Though its documented history dates back over 500 years, the estate’s roots reach even further—into gravel-rich soils prized by Roman settlers more than two millennia ago. These quartz-laden “graves” have long sustained the vines that define the estate’s reputation for excellence.

While many of Bordeaux’s top estates are located in the Médoc, Haut-Brion holds a singular distinction: it is the only château outside the Médoc included as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the historic 1855 Classification. But also recognized in the Graves Classification of 1959, the only estate with both prestigious rankings.

Haut-Brion’s uniqueness extends beyond its accolades. The estate occupies a 51-hectare vineyard—48 hectares planted to red grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and 3 hectares dedicated to white grapes, including Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris.

The vineyard’s defining feature is its deep gravel layers over a complex mosaic of clay, limestone, and sand—shaped over geological time. Combined with excellent drainage and sun exposure, this terroir is critical to producing wines of structure, elegance, and longevity.

At Haut-Brion, viticulture is guided by a philosophy of harmony—balancing nature and precision. The estate practices sustainable farming, avoids insecticides, and promotes biodiversity. A 4-hectare wooded zone, including a landscaped park, provides habitat for over 40 bird species, many of which are protected. These natural ecosystems contribute not only to beauty but to a healthy microclimate vital to the vineyards.

Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with each grape cluster meticulously picked and sorted to ensure only the finest fruit moves forward. Grapes are delicately destemmed, and fermentation is carried out with rigorous temperature control, allowing each vineyard parcel to reveal its unique aromatic and structural character. Within two weeks, the transformation begins—layers of color, complexity, and personality emerge.

Blending at Haut-Brion is not merely technical—it is an art form refined over generations. Typically finalized early, the blend enables the estate to present a complete and expressive wine during Bordeaux’s annual en primeur tastings. This intuitive process combines deep knowledge of the terroir with an understanding of vintage variation and aging trajectory.

Once blended, the wine is matured in carefully selected French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months. The proportion of new oak is precisely adjusted to match the character of the vintage, enhancing the wine’s texture without overwhelming its expression. Racking is done via à l’esquive, a traditional method using gravity and candlelight, gently clarifying the wine while preserving its finesse.

The winery produces three wines:

Château Haut-Brion Red
The estate’s iconic red wine is revered for its aromatic depth, structural finesse, and aging potential. Dominated by Merlot and supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it offers notes of blackcurrant, graphite, tobacco, and earth, with silky tannins and a long, graceful finish.

Château Haut-Brion Blanc
One of Bordeaux’s most rare and sought-after whites, this blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a rich, textured palate with flavors of citrus, beeswax, and honey. Powerful yet fresh, it rivals the estate’s reds in complexity and age-worthiness.

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion
Named in tribute to Clarence Dillon (the great grandfather of the current Haut-Brion's CEO and Chairman, Prince Robert of Luxembourg). This second wine offers accessibility with depth. Reflecting the estate’s signature elegance, it’s an excellent entry point into the Haut-Brion's experience.

Château Haut-Brion is more than a celebrated name—it is a living symbol of Bordeaux’s heritage and vision. With ancient soils, forward-thinking leadership, and a legacy built on integrity and innovation, Haut-Brion continues to define greatness in wine.

My Wine Recommendations:
During my visit to Bordeaux last May, I had the privilege of tasting both Château Haut-Brion 2017 at $425 (per bottle) and Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2017 at $450 (per bottle) —each a brilliant expression of its terroir and vintage.

Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #Bordeaux1stgrowth #Bordeaux #hautbrion 

An intro to Bordeaux

Bordeaux wines are renowned as some of the finest in the world. However, the most prestigious bottles—known as Grand Cru—have become so expensive that they’re now out of reach for most people. These top-tier wines, often priced at over $1,000 a bottle, are typically reserved for the wealthy and famous.

But here’s the good news: Bordeaux offers far more than just its elite First Growths and Grand Cru labels, which actually make up only about 1% of the region’s total wine production. There’s tremendous value to be found across the rest of Bordeaux.

One of the region’s greatest strengths is its diversity. Bordeaux produces an impressive range of styles—from exceptional red wines to crisp dry whites, luscious sweet whites, refreshing rosés, and even sparkling Crémants. There truly is something for every taste and budget.

The map below clearly shows Bordeaux’s location at 45º latitude in southwest France, along with its various appellations and the styles of wine they produce. The CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux) uses red dots to indicate red wine appellations, yellow for dry whites, and orange for sweet wines.

Traditionally, Bordeaux’s red AOPs (Appellations d’Origine Protégée) have been grouped into two main categories:

1. Left Bank – Located on the left side of the Gironde estuary, this area is known for Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blends. Key appellations include Médoc, St. Estèphe, Pauillac, Listrac, Margaux, Pessac-Léognan, Graves, and Premières Côtes de Bordeaux.
   
   

2. Right Bank – Situated on the opposite side of the river, these appellations favor Merlot-driven wines. Notable regions include Pomerol, Lalande-de-Pomerol, St. Émilion, Côtes de Blaye, Fronsac, Canon-Fronsac, and Côtes de Castillon.

The distinction between Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks is largely rooted in soil composition. The Left Bank is characterized by gravelly soils, which are warm and well-draining—ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. In contrast, the Right Bank features predominantly clay and limestone soils, which retain more moisture and remain cooler, favoring the earlier-ripening Merlot grape.

Bordeaux’s maritime climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, also plays a critical role in viticulture. The region experiences long summers and significant rainfall, which can pose challenges such as mildew and fruit rot. Historically, vintage variation in Bordeaux was significant due to inconsistent ripening. However, climate change has reduced this variability. Warmer vintages now consistently achieve full ripeness, resulting in rounder, fuller-bodied wines, while cooler years tend to produce wines with more structure and herbal nuances.

    

Picture of the Garonne River above.

Because each grape variety has different ripening needs—Cabernet Sauvignon, for instance, requires more heat and ripens up to three weeks later than Merlot—Bordeaux winemakers must adapt their approach accordingly. This disparity is one reason why blending is central to Bordeaux winemaking. By combining varieties, producers craft wines that are more balanced, complex, and expressive than any single grape could deliver on its own.

Bordeaux permits six classic red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (the most widely planted), Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère, and Cabernet Franc. In addition to its acclaimed reds, Bordeaux also produces notable white wines, primarily dry styles crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sémillon, especially in the Entre-Deux-Mers area, though other key white wine regions are indicated on the map above.

Bordeaux is also renowned for its sweet dessert wines, made from the same white grape varieties. These wines are primarily produced in appellations located south of the Left Bank, including Barsac, Loupiac, Monbazillac,Cerons, and the prestigious Sauternes. These sweet wines are crafted from grapes affected by Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates the sugars and flavors.

As France’s largest AOP wine region, Bordeaux spans approximately 111,000 hectares and produces around 5 million hectolitres of wine annually. The region includes 65 AOPs and is home to more than 6,000 producers, comprising estates, cooperatives, and négociants (merchants). While 56% of Bordeaux wines are consumed domestically, the remaining 44% are exported, with major markets including China, Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

At the entry level, Bordeaux AOP wines—typically Merlot-based and sourced from across the region—offer approachable and affordable options. A step up in quality, Bordeaux Supérieur wines are produced under stricter regulations, including lower yields, resulting in greater concentration and complexity.

District-specific AOPs such as Médoc or Haut-Médoc generally indicate further improvements in quality. Within these, commune-level appellations like Pauillac, St. Estèphe, Margaux, and St. Julien are considered among the most prestigious. Unlike Burgundy, where vineyard location dictates classification, Bordeaux’s reputation centers more on the château, meaning an estate's brand can maintain prestige even if its vineyards span varying locations and qualities.

The most influential classification in Bordeaux remains the 1855 Classification, commissioned by Napoleon III for the Paris Universal Exposition. This system ranked Médoc and Graves estates into five tiers, with First Growths (Premiers Crus) at the top:

First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion (my next post will be dedicated to this winery), Château Margaux, and Château Latour.

Second Growths: Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Pichon Longueville,Château Lascombes,Château Léoville-Las Cases, etc.

Third Growths: Château Palmer, Château d’Issan,Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Kirwan, etc.

Fourth Growths: Château Talbot, Château La Tour Carnet,Château Prieuré-Lichine, etc.

Fifth Growths: Château d’Armailhac, Château Clerc-Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, etc

Additional systems include the Graves Classification (established in 1953) and the Saint-Émilion Classification (established in 1954 and updated roughly every decade). The latter ranks wines into Grand Cru Classé, Grand Cru Classé B, and Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Interestingly, Pomerol, despite producing some of Bordeaux’s finest Merlot wines, has no formal classification.

Recognizing that many quality producers were excluded from this system, the Cru Bourgeois classification was introduced in 1932 (most recently revised in 2020). It features three tiers—Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel—and is based on blind tastings of five recent vintages. Unlike the 1855 system, it emphasizes wine quality over château reputation.

For those seeking quality without breaking the bank, Cru Bourgeois wines often deliver outstanding value, typically priced between $40–$80. For more affordable options, explore satellite appellations such as Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Castillon, Listrac, and Fronsac, or look to district-level wines from Haut-Médoc and Médoc, where solid bottles can be found in the $20–$40 range.

If you're new to Bordeaux, critics' reviews are invaluable in navigating both vintage variation and value wines.

And now to my recommendations:

I was in Bordeaux last May and I didn't have enough time to taste everything I wanted! These are some of the wines that I did manage to taste and which I loved! Cheers, Silvina

1. AOC Crémant Rosé de Bordeaux B de Bonhoste (Brut) NV $20
2. AOC Pessac LéognanLe Clementine de Pape Clement Blanc (Château Pape Clement) 2020, $60
3. AOC Pessac Léognan Château Pape Clement Blanc 2019, $149
4. AOC Pessac Leognan Château Luchey Halde 2014 $42
5. AOC Saint Estephe, Château Phelan Segur 2015 $60
6. AOC Pessac Léognan Château Pape Clement Rouge 2016, $117
7. AOC Cérons Grand Enclos de Château de Cerons (sweet) 2018 $80

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#Bordeaux, #Bordeauxwines #Frenchwine#thoughtsoflawina #winewednesday #bordeauxrouge #bordeauxblanc.

Light & Refreshing Summer Sips for Entertaining

When the temperatures rise, our palates naturally crave wines that are crisp, refreshing, and easy to sip. Light wines—whether white or rosé—are the perfect match for summer’s carefree vibe. With lower alcohol, fewer calories, and vibrant, zesty flavors, they’re ideal for long afternoons, outdoor gatherings, and relaxed evenings under the stars.

Whether you’re hosting a beach picnic, a backyard brunch, or simply unwinding by the patio or pool, these bright, low-alcohol wines keep things light, fresh, and effortlessly enjoyable—offering pure, uncomplicated refreshment.

Ready to find your perfect summer sip? Let’s dive in with these two selections from Ventessa by Mezzacorona.  

             

Ventessa Pinot Grigio 2023– Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT ($10.99)

A true summer classic, Pinot Grigio is celebrated for its citrusy brightness, crisp texture, and refreshingly low alcohol—coming in at just 9% ABV and only 90 calories per serving. Ventessa Pinot Grigio takes this beloved style to the next level with a beautifully pure and vibrant expression of the grape. Crafted from 100% hand-harvested grapes, it delights the senses with delicate floral aromas and juicy notes of melon and white peach. Light, zesty, and wonderfully refreshing, this Pinot Grigio is the perfect aperitif for warm evenings and pairs effortlessly with finger foods, fresh cheeses, summer salads, and even light, crispy fried bites.

Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé 2024 – Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT ($10.99) 

Rosé is practically synonymous with summer—and Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé proves exactly why. Light-bodied, pale pink, and beautifully dry, it opens with inviting aromas of red berries and pink grapefruit, accented by delicate floral notes. On the palate, crisp acidity and a subtle touch of saltiness make it bright, clean, and endlessly refreshing. Perfect for backyard brunches, beach picnics, or poolside lounging, this rosé is your go-to for any relaxed summer moment.

So, what are you waiting for? These light white and rosé wines are the ultimate companions for easy, breezy summer entertaining—versatile, delicious, and perfectly in tune with the spirit of the season. Cheers, Silvina 

            

#thoughtsoflawina #Summerwines #Ventessa

Isabel Estate: Wines of Purity and Elegance

If you've been following my writing for a while, you already know my deep affection for wines that foreground acidity, finesse, and terroir transparency. So when the opportunity arose to meet Jeremy McKenzie, the chief winemaker at Isabel Estate, I didn't hesitate. My longstanding admiration for New Zealand wines—particularly those from Marlborough—is rooted in the region's unique interplay of maritime climate, intense sunlight, and exceptional vineyard expression. Few places in the world marry vibrancy with structure, especially in an era increasingly shaped by the effects of climate change.

Marlborough continues to distinguish itself as a viticultural gem, producing wines that are luminous, concentrated, and brimming with tension and energy. Even more compelling is New Zealand's remarkable price-to-quality ratio— with most bottles remaining under $35, which makes New Zealand a tremendous value!

I had the pleasure of spending an hour in conversation with Jeremy McKenzie, delving into both his personal philosophy and the story of Isabel Estate.

The Isabel Estate story begins, as many good ones do, with a bit of magic. In the early 1980s, Mike Tiller—a pilot with a sharp eye and, evidently, great instincts—was flying over the Wairau Valley when he spotted what he believed could be the perfect vineyard site. And like that, Isabel Estate was born. (The name is a tribute to Mike’s mother, which somehow makes the whole thing even more poetic.) This aerial epiphany coincided with the emergence of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc revolution—a phenomenon that changed the white wine world forever.

But Isabel Estate is far from a one-varietal story. While Sauvignon Blanc remains important, McKenzie—who spent time in Burgundy at the beginning of his career—also crafts poised, site-driven expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate’s portfolio further includes Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah, each treated with the same level of precision and respect for origin.

McKenzie's winemaking is deeply rooted in minimal intervention. The estate sources exclusively from its own vineyards, with vine age averaging between 30 and 35 years—a notable achievement in a relatively young wine-producing country. Approximately 42% of the estate is certified organic, with the remainder cultivated under strict sustainable protocols. Dry farming is favored, with irrigation used judiciously and only when necessary. Fermentations are spontaneous, driven by natural yeasts, and conducted across a thoughtful range of vessels, including clay amphorae, stainless steel, and French oak barrels. The overarching aim: to concentrate flavors and to build texture while allowing the unadulterated character of the fruit to take center stage.

During our meeting, I had the chance to taste three of Isabel’s flagship wines, each revealing a compelling portrait of Marlborough uniqueness, as all are single vineyard wines.

Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – $22
Lively and precise, this wine exudes notes of grapefruit zest, lime leaf, and lemongrass, underpinned by a saline, mineral edge. Its vibrant acidity and lithe structure make for a wine that is both engaging and endlessly drinkable. Unlike many Marlborough Sauvignons that lean into overt herbaceousness, this rendition strikes a balance between intensity and restraint. A modest 10% barrel fermentation lends subtle texture and depth, suggesting a stylistic bridge between New and Old World paradigms.

Isabel Estate Chardonnay 2022 – $22
A standout for me. This Chardonnay undergoes full barrel fermentation, followed by natural malolactic fermentation and five months of lees aging. The result is a wine of remarkable poise and depth, offering layers of flinty gun smoke, ripe white nectarine, and a whisper of vanilla. Creamy and voluptuous on the palate, it remains impeccably balanced by freshness and minerality. The oak is masterfully integrated, enhancing rather than obscuring the wine’s elegant core.

Isabel Estate Pinot Noir 2021 – $28
Crafted using whole-bunch fermentation to elevate aromatic complexity, this Pinot Noir is red silk in a bottle. The organically farmed grapes come from vines averaging nearly 30 years in age, and 25% of the wine sees aging in new French oak. The result is a seductive, perfumed red with notes of cranberry, black cherry, violet, white pepper, and wild herbs. Fine-grained tannins frame the fruit beautifully, recalling some of the more refined bottlings from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

The best of all, each of these wines costs between $22 and $30—a compelling proposition for wines of this caliber. If you're seeking authenticity, craftsmanship, and value, Isabel Estate delivers on all fronts.

As always, I invite you to taste them and to tag me on Instagram—I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #winewednesday #newzealand #marlborough #sauvignonblanc #pinotnoir #Isabelestate

All pictures used with the permission of Isabel Estate winery.