Visit Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

This five-hectare winery is the only château located within the political territory of the city of Bordeaux. This small property completely immersed in the urban spot was owned by the Lord of Haut-Brion Jean de Pontact until 1584 when he gave the land to the order of the Carmelites. Yes, the same former owner of the legendary Château Haut-Brion that is only a few meters from this property.

Since 2010 it is owned by the Pichet real estate group, who have allocated many resources for its renovation and repositioning in the wine market.

The winery has a small castle dating from the nineteenth century, which is inhabited by the previous owner, an old lady that turned 100 years old in 2017. One of the conditions of the purchase stipulated that the old woman could inhabit the château until the last day of her life.

In 2016 the new "chai" was inaugurated, designed by the famous designer Philippe Starck and the architect Luc Arsène-Henry. Inspired by the hull of a ship, paying homage to the historic wine trade of Bordeaux. This modern structure contrasts elegantly with the old castle, both surrounded by vineyards and gardens that provide the property with a unique and special atmosphere.

After the tour, between tanks and barrels, we ended into the tasting room where we taste the two wines produced by the winery. The first was Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion 2015, a second wine made with grapes from vineyards found in the Pessac Léognan AOC. As we expect, it is an easy-to-drink wine, with a fruity character and medium-bodied.

The next wine that the winery offers is Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2013, made only with grapes from the walled vineyards of the property. The singularity of this wine lies in the high percentage of Cabernet Franc (40%), which gives it a slightly vegetal character but, at the same time, a lot of structure and persistence.

The winery practices organic standards, it is not certified, however, that allows it to act freely in the face of the different challenges that may arise throughout the year.

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Owners: Pichet Group Total area: 5 ha Age of vines: 50 years old AOC Pessac-Léognan