CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION

Captures the essence of the vintage as well as possible, with a lovely swath of cassis, plum puree and cherry compote flavors that glides along, showing just enough buried spine in the form of alder and iron notes to give this form. Features alluring red tea and savory details that add range on the lengthy finish. Approachable already, but there's no rush here. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2038.—J.M. Rating: 95 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2022)

The 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked from 11 September until 2 October at 52hl/ha. It is deep purple in colour. It has a very intense, what you might call quite "serious" bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, crushed iris petals and a light estuarine influence. It shows exquisite delineation and focus. The palate is stunning with intense black fruit laced with crushed stone, sea salt, black pepper and cedar, almost Pauillac in style. This La Mission is so pixelated with stupendous intensity. After four hours it closes up and appears cowed by the presence of the expressive Haut-Brion. Yet after 8 hours it is unquestionably showing greater structure and depth than the First Growth and, as such, despite its mercurial nature, I wager that ultimately this will become one of the wines of the vintage. Breathtaking. Drinking range: 2030 - 2080 Rating: 98-100 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jun 2020)

The 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion is composed of 53% Merlot, 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 11th of September to the 2nd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 14.5%. Very deep purple-black in color, it slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal a beguiling perfume of violets, Black Forest cake, wild blueberries and kirsch with nuances of star anise, cast-iron pan, pencil lead and crushed rocks plus a waft of wild sage. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with layers of black fruit, earth and floral-laced flavors, framed by exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins and compelling freshness, finishing with great length and loads of mineral sparks. A wine of impeccable breeding, both decadently flamboyant and provocatively graceful, this is already a prodigious wine of indisputable beauty. Rating: 98-100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (Jun 2020)

A tight and structured La Mission that takes you deep into the glass with super intensity and power. The tannins are omnipresent and envelop the palate. It’s full-bodied yet agile and complete. Iodine, sweet-tobacco and blackberry character. It seems never to finish. Another WOW wine that reminds me of some of the great classics of this estate, such as the 1955. Rating: 99-100 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Jun 2020)

Wonderful depth of flavour, a signature of this château that is just so elegant but is always happy to oblige in delivering delightfully sappy, seductive, gently spiced fruit. Cigar box and tobacco notes, floral peony and iris aromatics. Great second wave of aromatics that is striking and increases the density and width of the palate. Oak already feels integrated even at this early stage. 50% 1st wine. Drinking range: 2028 - 2044 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, Decanter (Jun 2020)

The wine is a beautiful deep purple-red. The nose is intense, with hints of raspberry and blackberry. What is striking as it swirls in the glass is its ripe fruitiness. The vanilla and delicately spicy, woody notes marry perfectly without dominating. The first expression is round, full and ample, leading into a dense and flavorful mid-palate. Black fruit and licorice notes dominate the taste, followed by a juicy and velvety tannic structure. Since the start of the barrel aging process, this incredibly charming wine has gone from strength to strength and immediately reminds us of the outstanding 2000 vintage, but with more density. A 2000+!

53% merlot 7.5% cabernet franc 39.5% cabernet sauvignon Estimated label alcohol degree : 14.5% Harvested from September 11th to October 2ndWinemaker's notes (May 2020)