| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Frequently the qualitative equal of sister-château Haut Brion and in some years even better. The historic La Tour Haut Brion vineyard has been incorporated into La Mission now but most of the fruit is relegated to the second label - La Chapelle de la Mission. La Mission's production levels are now smaller than ever and it can be seen as an 'honorary' first growth. There are normally around 5,000 cases produced annually. The vineyard is planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot.
In 2025 La Mission is comprised of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon with 58% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Ageing in 59% new oak. Alcohol 13.6%. Yield 23 hl/ha.
The 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked from August 28 until September 19 at around 23 hl/ha, lower than Haut-Brion, perhaps due to higher density of planting and less competition between vines. There is less new oak, at around 59%, the same as Haut-Brion, down from around 80% in recent years. This has a perfumed bouquet, one of the most floral that I can recall, beautifully defined with black cherries, blueberry and crushed violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with chiselled tannins, a silver thread of acidity, quite linear in style with a strict, tensile, graphite-tinged finish. Yeah, it has to play second fiddle to Haut-Brion this year, but it is still a great La Mission. 13.6% alcohol. Drink 2035-2065.
Deep ruby in the glass, with a sweet nose of cherries, damsons and cream, together with plush, but well-managed vanilla and cinnamon wood spice. The palate is rounded and supple, with sweet currants, liquorice and nutmeg on show. Polished but not over-made, this is a succulent, rounded and hedonistic wine for the vintage. Long, warming and generous on the finish.
A blend of 58.3% Merlot, 38.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.4% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion reveals a refined bouquet of smoky cassis, dark berries, spices and lead pencil, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it’s built around a multidimensional core of fruit underpinned by fine, velvety tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed and precise finish. Combining depth with energy, it delivers a textural yet controlled expression of power, with a real sense of freshness. The result is a particularly faithful, charming rendition of La Mission, defined by its elegance and overall precision.
A red with lots of muscular tannins that are polished and velvety. It's full-bodied with a chewy mouthfeel and a long and intense finish. Crushed stones, dark fruit and bark at the end. 58.3% merlot, 38.3% cabernet sauvignon and 3.4% cabernet franc.
Signature finesse coupled with clear intensity and concentration, muscular with a juicy frame and crushed red rose petals on the finish. Huge ageing potential, this stretches out through the palate and delivers finesse and hidden power. 69% 1st wine. 27hl/ha yield. Harvest August 27 to September 19. 59% new oak. 3.73ph. 2035-2050.
The 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion is one of my early favorites in this vintage. Aromatic and vibrant, with striking purity, the Grand Vin is magnificent. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, mint and cinnamon soar from the glass. Beams of supporting tannin lend energy and shape. In a word: compelling. One of the wines of the vintage. 2035 - 2075
