2019 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 3×1.5L

Vinous 99

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. [Neal Martin, 06/15/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2080

JancisRobinson.com 18.5

53% Merlot, 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. A thoroughbred tugging at the reins. Deep colour. Lifted and racy on the nose with a hint of cassis. Ripe and mouth-filling then a charge of fine but firm tannin. Sleek but substantial with any excess stripped away. Super length and persistence. (JL) [06/09/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2050