Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

One of the jewels of the Bordeaux wine country, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion has nearly five hectares of vines in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. It is located just southwest of the city of Bordeaux, like its neighbor, Château Haut-Brion. From 1584 to 1789, Les Carmes Haut-Brion belonged to the Carmelite religious order, which accounts for the origin of its name. After the French Revolution, the property was acquired by Bordeaux négociants, the Chantecaille family, and then sold in late 2010 to Patrimoniale du Groupe Pichet, who were seeking to diversify. Surrounded by the city, the property benefits from a mild microclimate, one that is less susceptible to frost and more conductive to ripening. Its unique holding is split by the Le Peugue stream, which is now home to Les Carmes Haut-Brion’s brand-new cellar. Completed in 2016, the new cellar was designed by the famous Philippe Starck, and talented architect, Luc Arsène-Henry, the symbolic structure spreads over 2,000 meters squared despite its seemingly small exterior. Using matrix concrete, glass and metal, the building stands 4-levels tall - accommodating both the barrel cellar, and the under-water castle cellar, as well as the grape harvest-reception-room, the tasting room, and their impressive terrace - that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire estate. Its boldly inspired shape cuts through the water evoking Bordeaux’s past time – when the great wines were all transported by boat. Complemented by its reflective walls - the urban terroir and natural light are beautifully mirrored in its façade - making the new cellar a harmonious naturally inspired structure.