Complex, full-bodied, rich… Château La Mission Haut-Brion evokes the most laudatory adjectives. The blend evolves with each vintage, but Château La Mission Haut-Brion retains its intensely expressive characteristics.
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Pessac-Léognan AOP
Color: Red
Volume: 750ml
Grape Varieties: Merlot: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon: 38%
Packaging: Cardboard
Alcohol: 15%
Powerful and Structured
Serving Temperature: 17-18°C
Tasting Note
Le Figaro 95/100
Tasted in April 2013
A Haut-Brion that will be remembered for its supple, very Merlot-like character. The tannins are remarkably fine, and the overall impression is captivating. It is unlike any of its predecessors or any other wine. The finish is very Haut-Brion with its smoky notes. The grand vin represents 46% of production.
Robert Parker 97/100
As for La Mission Haut-Brion 2012, this wine (41% of total production) continues to perform as it has for nearly a century. At the entry level of quality, this stunning wine is full-bodied and highly concentrated with notes of graphite, fine charcoal embers, crème de cassis, blackberry, and subtle earthy notes.
The wine is ample and powerful, rich and concentrated. And of course, the alcohol level tips the scales at 15% with a blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc.
This is a great success for La Mission Haut-Brion, which should age effortlessly for more than 30 years. However, the tannins suggest that this wine should not be touched for another 5-6 years, as it is one of the latest-ripening Pessac-Léognan wines of 2012. Bravo!
