Chapelle de la Mission (2nd wine of Mission Haut Brion) 2009

Pessac-Leognan, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

The second wine, the 2009 La Chapelle de la Mission, is essentially an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with slightly more Cabernet Franc that came in at 14.2% natural alcohol. It reveals an extraordinary meaty nose displaying hints of volcanic soils, burning embers, sweet black currants, blueberries, plums, tobacco leaf and wet stones. This tasty, full-bodied, supple-textured beauty should drink well for 15-20 years.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2032 01 March 2012

There are approximately 2,000 cases of the 2009 La Chapelle de La Mission, the best one I have ever tasted. A blend of nearly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Franc added in, it achieved 14.2% natural alcohol. The wine is a remarkable effort, with amazing density, extraordinary fruit quality, dense purple color with meaty notes alongside subtle barbecue smoke, camphor, black currant, sweet cherry, and blackberry. It has a lush, opulent texture, loads of glycerin, and admirable purity and length. I could have drunk a bottle or two just tasting it from the barrel! It should evolve for 10-15 or more years. (Tasted two times.) Harvest started around September 9 at La Mission Haut-Brion, and finished almost a month later, on October 6. To get an idea of just how extraordinary all the wines from the Dillon family are in 2009, just consider how phenomenal the second wines are.

Score: 91 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-25 01 April 2010

A gorgeous red, with sweet tobacco, plums and ripe strawberries and hints of cigar box. Full body, with chewy and ripe tannins and a creamy texture. Dense and rich, yet so balanced and beautiful. Second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion. Better in 2016.

Score: 94

James Suckling, - Maturity: 2016+ 15 February 2012

A structured young red with blueberry, toasted oak and coffee aromas and flavors. Full and silky, with ripe tannins and beautiful fruit. Long and flavorful. Second wine of La Mission.

Score: 90 - 93

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 31 March 2010

Deep purple with good complex savour on the nose. Relatively high volatility and a really firm tannic backbone. But there is polish here too. Deep and rich underneath. Very dry finish. Very firm - just extra depth but no extra obvious sweetness/ripeness until the very end when there is quite a bit of alcohol. Obvious top growth address even in this wine. 17.5 points

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2030 02 April 2010

44M 46CS 10CF. 40% of the crop with 10% sold off in bulk. Inviting nose of fleshy red fruit, chocolate and tobacco. Very creamy with fresh red fruit and leaves. Medium bodied with good depth and a pleasing texture. Ripe tannic finish.

Score: 89 - 91

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2010

Tasted at the chateau. A deep purple/garnet core. The nose is ripe and well-defined with graphite and mineral tinged black plum fruit with just a hint of Japanese umiboshi. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, good weight, blackberry, a touch of burnt toast and graphite. Just a touch of hardness of youth, chalky, slightly pointed on the finish. I suspect this will really come into its own after bottling. Tasted April 2010. 89-91+ points

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 March 2010