CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION

Medium to full intensity, vibrant plum colour, this is elegant and balanced, with the same juicy orchard apple character that you find in La Chapelle, along with cloves, incense, slate, crayon and baking spice, lots of complexity and balance. The aromatics are a little subdued right now but this has ageing ability and estate signature. 5.3 press, 75% new oak, 26hl/h yield. Drinking range: 2030 - 2042 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2025)

51 CS 46.5 M 2.5 CF 13.2% Brooding and concentrated aromas with sweet spices and some oaky cedar. Plenty of cassis despite the relatively high percentage Merlot. Palate-flooding complexity and depth with violets, forest fruit berries and crème de mûre. This manages a sumptuousness that is very rare for this vintage and is yet another testament to the greatness of terroir being the saving of the conditions. Very fine, and although maybe approachable in relative youth for La Mission, this will have the staying power of every vintage here. Rating: 95 Rod Smith MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2025)

The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion is such a classy wine. Strong floral and savory notes meld into a core of plum, blackberry, gravel, spice, leather, tobacco and incense. Medium in body, with no hard edges, the 2024 is a delight. It offers lovely freshness and energy throughout. There is a bit of graininess in the tannin, a reminder of the challenges of the growing season. Drinking range: 2028 - 2039 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2025)