2012-CHÂTEAU-LA-MISSION-HAUT-BRION-Cru-Classé-Pessac-Léognan

CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION

2023 Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan

Grapes Merlot, Cab Sauv
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
Village Pessac-Léognan
Classification Cru Classé
ABV 14.5%

52.7 Cabernet Sauvignon, 29.6 Merlot, 17.7 Cabernet Franc: 69.5% new oak: 14.5% alc The nose is soaked with Cabernet Franc, and the tannins on the finish are amazingly Cabernet Sauvignon dominant. Perhaps this is not surprising given the make-up of this wine is a little over 70% Cabernets. These two grapes conspire to bookend the discreet ripeness of the Merlot heart. Earthiness underpins plushness, and the most remarkable thing is that despite this beautiful young wine's apparent sternness and angularity, it still manages to show control and calm among the power and muscle. While it does its best to act like an elemental golem, this gentle giant has a very long life ahead. The power will eventually be tamed, but only when the acidity abates. The tannins will leave the stage when they are ready, but the acidity gives this wine such a firm character, and you must be patient to allow this battery pack to wind down. This complex cocktail of flavours directly results from the intricacies of the extraordinary 2022 vintage, and they have made La Mission a serious keeper. Rating: 19++ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)


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Red roses, powdery chalky tannins, grip and lift, this is savoury, concentrated, full of lift and vibrancy, with layers of lush ripe red and black fruits, with the inky stamp of the Cabernet in the vintage, and the caressing tannins that La Mission does so well. Harvest started early and finished late, through to October 5. Drinking range: 2033 - 2048 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion is a dense, powerful wine. Firm tannins give the 2023 a feeling of sternness—a sense of classical austerity that is beguiling. This is the second-most tannic vintage for La Mission, only surpassed by 2010, so readers should plan on being patient. It will be interesting to see what élevage brings. At this stage, the 2023 is quite the bruiser. Hints of mocha, spice, new leather, crushed flowers and red-toned fruit linger. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

The blend has more Cabernet Franc in 2023, much of which would usually go into other wines but in 2023 it was good enough for the grand vin. There is 52.7% Merlot, 29.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.7% Cabernet Franc here, picked from September 6th to October 3rd, with the Merlot all picked before the late September rains. Aromatically this is floral and fresh, with sweet blackcurrant and black cherry fruits, set in a warm and welcoming texture, with plenty of fresh granularity, bright cherry and plum notes to mirror the nose, and a rich frame of fine-boned bit firm tannins as well. It finish sappy, fresh and coherent. What it misses, though, is a little bit of the integration of a really strong vintage. The alcohol here is 14.5% here. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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