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Mission Haut Brion 2011

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

The small production (4,150 cases) of 2011 La Mission-Haut-Brion displays the nobility and complexity of this great terroir. Burning embers, scorched earth, blueberry, black currant, licorice and spice aromas jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. With full body (atypical for a 2011), but no hard edges, this opulent, multidimensional, fleshy, rich, stunningly long, well-balanced La Mission is another great achievement in what has been nearly a century of producing remarkable wines from this hallowed vineyard. The long 2011 should be reasonably mature in another 4-6 years, and last for two decades. It will always be a revelation in a vintage that is unlikely to receive a lot of exciting press. The final blend was 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2038 01 April 2014

The production of the 2011 La Mission-Haut-Brion (55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc) was a tiny 4,100 cases, compared to 6,000 cases in 2009 and 5,100 cases in 2010. The 2011 is a big, sexy, smoky, classic La Mission displaying lots of road tar, graphite, barbecue, meats, mulberry, black currant and blueberry notes. It is full-bodied with sweet tannin as well as an expansive, fleshy style. The harvest was late in 2011 despite the fact that this micro-climate is one of the warmest and most precocious in all of Bordeaux since it is essentially in the city of Bordeaux. This brilliant wine, one of the vintage-s superstars, should drink reasonably well in 3-4 years and keep for 25 or more. I can-t say enough good things about the job Jean-Philippe Delmas has done after taking over for his well-known father at La Mission-Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion. As long-time readers know, I am an addict for both of these wines.

Score: 93 - 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2040 27 April 2012

The La Mission is a blend of 33.7% Merlot, 11.3% Cabernet Franc and 55% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose takes time to coalesce: very classic with ripe blackberry and briary fruit, fine minerality, a hint of black olive and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins. This is an edgy La Mission with crisp acidity, a silver citric thread, dark broody brambly fruit and an almost angular, but very fresh, focused finish. I like the classicism of the 2011. Excellent. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Earthy, even smoky nose, lots of grippy vigour now, richness and depth to come through.

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2035 16 April 2012

Tightly wound, with a good chalky vibrancy and taut red currant, damson plum and bitter cherry notes that show ample length. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 93 - 96

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

What a beautiful nose of Cabernet Sauvignon with currants, berries and hints of dark chocolate. Full and super silky with fine tannins and a very firm and long finish. Very long.

Score: 94 - 95

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012