I’ll never forget my visit to the historic Château Haut-Brion. It was a bright and sunny morning in May, and I was visiting as a Master of Wine candidate to learn more about the wines of Bordeaux. The white wines of Château Haut-Brion are just as exquisite (and usually more expensive) than the great red wines from this legendary winery, dating back to the 1549. Below is exciting news from Sotherby’s on a great cellar auction that will take place at the estate.
PRESS RELEASE: PARIS, 8 JULY 2026 – On 1 October 2026, Sotheby’s Paris will stage a momentous auction of wines sourced exclusively and directly from the legendary cellars of Château Haut-Brion. The sale, Château Haut-Brion, Domaine Clarence Dillon: Celebrating Our 10th Decade of Family Stewardship, marks ninety years since the Dillon family acquired the historic Bordeaux estate in 1935.
As the first auction dedicated entirely to the estate’s wines, this event offers collectors an unprecedented opportunity to acquire wines of impeccable provenance spanning nearly a century (1935 to 2025). The sale comprises 676 lots with a combined estimate of €2.5–3.5 million, encompassing the full breadth of the estate’s production: Château Haut-Brion Rouge and Blanc, alongside Le Bahans Haut-Brion, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Les Plantiers de Haut-Brion, and La Clarté de Haut-Brion.
Unprecedented Lots and Bespoke Experiences
At the heart of the auction is a series of six bespoke experiences created explicitly for this anniversary, each paired with exceptionally rare vintages from Domaine Clarence Dillon.
Chief among the highlights is an extraordinary barrel of the 2025 vintage – an exclusive offer in this ex-cellar First Growth auction. This landmark lot, alongside a unique, limited-edition 2025 case offered by Primum Familiae Vini (the association of the world’s leading family-owned wine producers), makes this a defining moment for global wine collectors.
“The” First Growth of Bordeaux
Château Haut-Brion occupies a singular position in the history of fine wine. With a viticultural heritage that stretches back over 2,000 years, its historical precedence is unparalleled. When the wines of the Gironde were assessed for the historic 1855 Classification, it was rightfully crowned a Premier Grand Cru Classé. As the most ancient, storied, and eminent of these estates, Château Haut-Brion is widely considered “The” First Growth of Bordeaux – the undisputed birthplace of “New French Claret” and the ancestor of age-worthy fine wine.
Deep Gastronomic Roots & A Monumental Future
Today, under the leadership of Prince Robert of Luxembourg – great-grandson of the New York financier and Francophile Clarence Dillon, who purchased the estate in 1935 – Château Haut-Brion is undertaking the most profound architectural transformation in its 2,000-year history.
This auction serves as the first public celebration of this monumental endeavour, culminating in 2027. Envisioned by internationally acclaimed architect Annabelle Selldorf – renowned for her recent appointment to restructure the Louvre, as well as her masterful work at the National Gallery in London and the Frick Collection in New York – the comprehensive redevelopment includes a state-of-the-art, sustainably designed winemaking facility and cooperage. This is perfectly complemented by the meticulous restoration of the original 16th-century château and its grounds, featuring exquisite work by the celebrated landscape architect and designer, Madison Cox.
Domaine Clarence Dillon’s gastronomic roots run almost as deep as its viticultural ones, tracing back to the legendary
Pontac’s Head tavern in 17th-century London. This profound culinary heritage continues to thrive today through Le Clarence – the two-Michelin-starred Parisian destination frequently celebrated among the 50 Best Restaurants of the
World – and the estate’s extensive, world-class Gastronomy & Wine Library. Together with the newly restored Pavillon Catelan, these developments underscore the family’s enduring commitment to bridging exceptional winemaking with unparalleled hospitality and cultural heritage.
“For ninety years, Domaine Clarence Dillon has had the privilege of serving as steward of Château Haut-Brion, preserving one of the world’s great wine estates while continuously looking toward the future. This exceptional auction celebrates a journey that began in 1935 with my great-grandfather Clarence Dillon’s acquisition of the estate. It brings together not only extraordinary wines across nearly a century of vintages, but also unique experiences and moments of history never before offered. As custodians of this legacy, our responsibility has always been not only to honour the past, but also to create new chapters that will shape the future of Château Haut-Brion. Celebrating Our 10th Decade of Family Stewardship represents both a tribute to our history and an expression of our vision for the future.” – PRINCE ROBERT OF LUXEMBOURG, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF DOMAINE CLARENCE DILLON
“Collectors are increasingly seeking wines with impeccable provenance and direct château origin, and this sale represents one of the most compelling opportunities we have ever brought to market. The depth of vintages, pristine condition, and breadth of formats are exceptional, but what truly sets this auction apart is its sense of occasion – from the rare experiences on offer to the historic inclusion of a First Growth barrel. This celebration of Château HautBrion is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dillon family.” – NICK PEGNA, GLOBAL HEAD OF WINE AND SPIRITS, SOTHEBY’S
“This extraordinary sale is both a panoply of vintages and a resounding homage to a family who have nurtured a Bordeaux First Growth to the highest of levels. For those who worship both Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion Blanc, this is paradise found – and all with impeccable château provenance.” – SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW, HONORARY CHAIRMAN, SOTHEBY’S WINE
Further details and the full catalogue for Celebrating Our 10th Decade of Family Stewardship will be announced in September 2026. For more information, please contact Matthew Floris at MATTHEW.FLORIS@SOTHEBYS.COM.
ABOUT SOTHEBY’S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building in New York City, featuring Marcel, 945 Madison Avenue – a new continental restaurant designed by Roman & Williams.