In charge of foreign affairs under Napoléon, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) bought Haut-Brion in 1801. He often served the Haut-Brion wine to his guests and he employed the wine to advance his many diplomatic efforts.

Occupied with many problems, Talleyrand sold Haut-Brion in 1804. Between 1804 and 1836 Haut-Brion was owned by a banker and a wine broker before being purchased by the Larrieu family.