Vineyard in heart of Haut Brion to launch its own wine

A small vineyard in the middle of the Haut Brion domaine is to begin bottling its own wines.

Domaine de la Passion Haut Brion is a 1.5-hectare parcel of vines situated in the heart of the Haut Brion vineyard.

From 1954 to 1978, the property bottled under its own name, but for the past 30 years, the grapes – planted to 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon – have been going into Haut Brion wines under a cropshare agreement.

Now Michel Allary, the current owner of the domaine, has decided to begin once again producing his own wine, and will be releasing around 2,400 bottles from the 2008 vintage.

He has engaged consultant Stephane Derenoncourt.

Louis Fournier, Allary’s business partner, told decanter.com, ‘Above all this was a personal family decision, as Dr Allary has a daughter, who in turn has a son, who is very interested in winemaking.

‘And of course the commercial possibilities of the property are very interesting. Dr Allary was born and brought up on the property, and has been very close to the [Haut Brion managers and winemakers] Delmas family for many years – he has a great understanding of the terroir here.’

A winery with an underground cellar is currently under construction, and will be ready for the 2009 vintage. The wine will be entirely distributed through negociants.

Chateau Haut Brion was not available for comment.

Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux