Appellations

Mission Haut Brion 2013

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

The 2013 La Mission Haut Brion, a blend of 65% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a very pretty bouquet. It is not intense or powerful, as you would anticipate given the growing season, but it unfurls in the glass to reveal wild strawberry, raspberry and dried quince scents, augmented by dried orange peel and bay leaf scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin on the entry. This is fresh in the mouth, focused and in the context of the 2013 vintage, quite vivacious, full of energy, especially on the finish. While it might lack the depth, that Merlot lends it the fleshiness that lifts this La Mission Haut Brion above others.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2032 Date: 28 October 2016

A blend of 65% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked between 24 September and 11 October, Jean-Philippe Delmas told me that they finished on a Sunday since the risk of botrytis was so high. The pH is 3.58 with 13.25% alcohol. The first sample at the beginning of primeur was not showing well, the second much better with blackberry, bay leaf and a seaweed scents that becomes increasingly intense. Overall the aromatic profile is not powerful but quite elegant, recalling some of the lighter vintages that I have tasted in the past. The palate is medium-bodied with noticeable acidity on the entry. There is a citric freshness here with lively red cherry and dark plum fruit laced with white pepper. It is a linear La Mission, perhaps missing the peacock’s tail on the finish but composed and refreshing in the mouth. Not a bad wine by a long stretch, but there are plenty of superior La Mission Haut-Brion wines produced in recent years. Tasted April 2014.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 01 April 2014

This unfolds on your palate with a oyster, raspberry and stone character. It slowly opens and builds. Chewy yet polished. Reserved LMHB.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2014

Taut, with a tangy edge to the red currant, damson plum and blackberry notes, framed with plum skin and blood orange accents and backed by a solid roasted apple wood edge on the finish. This has a rather obvious tannic spine but is not woody in feel. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 90 - 93 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2014

65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc. Ghostly nose, just an impression of black fruit. Pretty full-on tannins, and more than a dash of leafiness. Very delicately rendered, apart from the pretty firm grip. (16.5)

Score: 16 - 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2025 Date: 01 April 2014

Superb ruby red, lovely nose of slightly earthy autumn fruits, fine texture, purity and harmony, not robust, almost a feminine La Mission, expressive and sophisticated.

Score: 92 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2030 Date: 01 April 2014

Deep purple colour with a narrow rim. Very deep in colour, with rich black fruits. Broad and aromatic, with notes of cinnamon, green tea and currants. Lovely depth. Lots of power and intensity on the end, with a long finish. This is a beautiful La Mission.

Score: 92 - 94 Albany Vintners, - Date: 01 April 2014