Château La Mission Haut-Brion

The vineyard of Château La Mission Haut-Brion owes its name and its historic reputation to the Congregation of the Mission, or “Lazarists,” founded in the 17th century by Saint Vincent de Paul. These vines, planted as early as the Middle Ages, were bequeathed to them by the heirs of Madame Olive de Lestonnac. The Good Fathers developed and enhanced the estate with great care, and within less than a century, they created one of the greatest wines of the region. In the 19th century, a family from Louisiana, the Chiapella, continued the work of the missionaries, and the Mission became known worldwide. The jury of the 1862 London World’s Fair, making a very accurate assessment of the wines from Château La Mission Haut-Brion, awarded them the Gold Medal. Between 1919 and 1983, the Woltner family further enhanced the reputation of the estate. La Mission Haut-Brion is currently one of the flagship estates of Domaine Clarence Dillon, which has completely renovated the château and built high-tech facilities. Before entering the Chai, a true “cathedral of wine,” visitors are now welcomed in a cloister near the small chapel of Notre-Dame d’Aubrion, built at the end of the 17th century. Many people today consider Château La Mission Haut-Brion to be a sixth Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855. Starting with the 2006 vintage, the vineyard of Château La Tour Haut-Brion, a Cru Classé of Graves, has been incorporated into that of Château La Mission Haut-Brion. With the 2009 vintage, Château Laville Haut-Brion, a Cru Classé of Graves, took back the name it had during the 1927 to 1930 vintages, Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc.