LA CHAPELLE DE LA MISSION

The second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion. The assemblage in 2015 is 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is lightly dusty and gravelly on the nose, with scents of perfumed rose petals, quite charming, with dried dark cherry fruits. A lovely and consistent character here, a fresh and cool style on the palate, with an admirable presence of fruit, cut with fresh and firm, savoury yet ripe tannins. A very convincing second wine, really harmonious, leading into a supple finish. Rating: 15-16/20 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2016)

Tension and spice but tannins need some time to soften up. Always a beautiful sense of effortless confidence in this wine, no exception here, though not quite up to 2009 or 2010. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 35% new oak; 34% of the total crop. Drinking range: 2021 - 2032 Rating: 90 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2016)

A deep, striking wine, the 2015 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is laced with captivating scents of graphite, smoke, cured meats, herbs, melted road tar, leather and violets. Equally rich and ample on the palate, the 2015 exudes intensity, with a pedigreed expression of fruit and enough depth to drink well for a dozen or more years. All of the signatures of site come through in this beautifully crafted second wine from La Mission Haut-Brion. With time in the glass, the 2015 acquires finesse and nuance. Rating: 87-89 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2016)

The 2015 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 9 September until 1 October, harvested early to preserve the freshness of the Merlot and taking time to pick the Cabernet at optimal ripeness. The bouquet is tightly wound at the moment, but precise, revealing blackcurrant, cranberry and hints of marmalade scents with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with quite sturdy tannin on the entry that exert a firm grip, but there is more than enough fruit to back that all up. Touches of cedar and tobacco surface towards the second half and there is a sustained, chalky note on the finish that ensures that this a great deuxième vin. Drinking range: 2019 - 2040 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2016)

Very powerful and tannic yet salty and savory. Full body, dense and chewy yet polished and bright. Great second wine from La Mission. Only 30% merlot. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2016)