La Mission

Tasting Notes:
The 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion is even more impressive this year than it was in 2006. There are approximately 5,500 cases of this blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Jean-Philippe Delmas told me that for the first time in this vineyardÕs history, the entire vineyard was seriously crop-thinned. The result is a wine that is reminiscent of the 1989, but with more structure, muscle, and tannin. However, the tannin is sweet Ñ a good sign in a wine with such extraordinary power and richness. Scorched earth, blueberries, blackberries, and a hint of truffles appear in the staggering aromatics. The wine is massive in the mouth, with incredible fat and richness as well as mouth-searing levels of velvety tannin in the finish. Even though the fruit is wonderfully ripe and the texture is unctuous, this stunning offering will not be drinkable for 6-7 years, and should keep for 25 years thereafter. The Wine Advocate #170 Apr-07.
Parker Points: 97
Drinking Period: 2013-2038

Tasting Notes:
The 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion is even more impressive this year than it was in 2006. There are approximately 5,500 cases of this blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Jean-Philippe Delmas told me that for the first time in this vineyardÕs history, the entire vineyard was seriously crop-thinned. The result is a wine that is reminiscent of the 1989, but with more structure, muscle, and tannin. However, the tannin is sweet Ñ a good sign in a wine with such extraordinary power and richness. Scorched earth, blueberries, blackberries, and a hint of truffles appear in the staggering aromatics. The wine is massive in the mouth, with incredible fat and richness as well as mouth-searing levels of velvety tannin in the finish. Even though the fruit is wonderfully ripe and the texture is unctuous, this stunning offering will not be drinkable for 6-7 years, and should keep for 25 years thereafter. The Wine Advocate #170 Apr-07.
Parker Points: 97
Drinking Period: 2013-2038

Tasting Notes:
Like its more famous neighbor, Haut-Brion, the 2001 La Mission Haut-Brion has closed down considerably since bottling. A blend of 62% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc, it possesses an inky/purple color (deeper than Haut-BrionÕs) in addition to a tight but promising bouquet of scorched earth, wood, tar, black currants, and a hint of hickory wood. Medium-bodied, firm, muscular, and virile, it is a candidate for long term cellaring. Robert Parker- Wine Advocate
Parker Points: 91
Drinking Period: 2010-2020

Tasting Notes:
Like its more famous neighbor, Haut-Brion, the 2001 La Mission Haut-Brion has closed down considerably since bottling. A blend of 62% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc, it possesses an inky/purple color (deeper than Haut-BrionÕs) in addition to a tight but promising bouquet of scorched earth, wood, tar, black currants, and a hint of hickory wood. Medium-bodied, firm, muscular, and virile, it is a candidate for long term cellaring. Robert Parker- Wine Advocate
Parker Points: 91
Drinking Period: 2010-2020

Tasting Notes:
Complex aromas of scorched earth, minerals, black fruits, lead pencil, and subtle wood accompany this classic, full-bodied, La Mission. It boasts superb purity, an expansive, concentrated mid-palate, and sweet tannin in the long, muscular yet refined finish. This superb La Mission-Haut-Brion, which requires 6-7 years of cellaring, gets my nod as one of the finest La Mission's produced. Robert Parker April 2001
Parker Points: 93
Drinking Period: 2007-2030