Appellations

Mission Haut Brion 2021

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

This is just gorgeous, flirting with the very best. Striking aromatics of crushed red rose petals that pop out of the glass, Not as long lasting as some vintages perhaps, but so much finesse and balance, plenty of classic La Mission finesse and balance, touches of mint leaf, cloves and pummice stone minerality. Taut on the finish in its tannic structure and no question majors more heavily on the cool blue fruit character than we have seen with this property in recent years but it is seriously enjoyable, a total masterclass in cool fruit delivery, and a reminder than in the warmer location of Mission and Haut-Brion, these more understated vintages can really offer joyful drinking. 73% new oak, harvest September 20 to October 8. No frost impact here and very little mildew, meaning the overall yield was up to 47hl/h. This is one I strongly recommend, my red wine of the vintage.

Score: 97 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2041 Date: 02 April 2024

The 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion comes across as delicate and soft. It is a wine that is very strongly marked by the year—there is no doubt about that. Floral and spice notes open first, as the 2021 shows off its restrained personality. Dark fruit, leather, cedar and tobacco develop in the glass, but this very clearly offers only modest definition, mid-palate pliancy and persistence. Even so, there are no hard edges. Overall, it's a very good wine in a year that was obviously extremely challenging.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2031-2046 Date: 27 February 2024

The 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion has a very cohesive bouquet, well-defined with minerally red and black fruit, hints of white flowers and a distant tang of black olive. The almost "estuarine" element becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite fresh though not a complex or deep La Mission. It is lifted by the salinity and sustain on the finish—also its typicité. Whilst not a wine from the top drawer, it is a fascinating, engaging Pessac that will drink over the next 20 or 30 years.

Score: 93 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2027-2055 Date: 22 February 2024

A mix of refined power and elegance. Deep crimson hue. Fragrant dark fruit and cassis notes as the wine opens. Texturally very fine with plentiful tannins that are coated and smooth. Lovely freshness accompanied by persistence and drive. Great balance. Plenty of potential.

Score: 17+ James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2030-2050 Date: 06 May 2022

Lots of sea-salt, iodine and purple-fruit aromas and flavors to this. Turns to bark and forest floor. Powerful. Full-bodied and muscular. 47.9% merlot, 45.8% cabernet sauvignon and 6.3% cabernet franc.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 May 2022

Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with loamy soil, sweet spices, cigar box and licorice, the 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion is full-bodied, lively and seamless, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit framed by bright acids and supple, powdery tannins. This charming, sensual rendition of La Mission is a blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, attaining 13.4% alcohol.

Score: 94 - 96 William Kelley, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 29 April 2022

The 2021 Château La Mission Haut-Brion checks in as a blend of 47.9% Merlot, 45.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc that hit 13.4% alcohol and is still resting in 27% new French oak. Graphite, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and gorgeous cassis and violet-tinge blue fruits all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a vibrant, elegant mouthfeel, terrific tannins, and one hell of a great finish. It's a softer, rounder, more layered wine than the Haut-Brion, with a little more sexiness, yet both are utterly brilliant wines.

Score: 94 - 95 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 06 February 2022