La Mission Haut Brion Blanc 2009

An exquisite blend of 84% Semillon and 16% Sauvignon Blanc, this wine possesses a zesty crushed rock component intermixed with lemon butter, fig, white currant, quince and melons. Its steely backbone of acidity gives precision and zestiness to what is a full-bodied, powerful, concentrated dry white that should evolve for 20 or more years.

Tasted at the chateau. A blend of 84% Semillon and 16% Sauvignon Blanc, this has quite a tight nose of apple-blossom, pear skin and honeysuckle. Moderate definition, just lacking a little lift. The palate is taut on the entry, with touches of green apple, linden, a hint of gooseberry, good acidity towards the citric finish but perhaps without the exuberance of a great vintage such as the 2007. Tasted March 2010.

Subtle yet intense aromas of lemon pie, apple crumble and Brazilian lime follow through to a full body, with a dense concentration of fruit but an excellent backbone of acidity that turns to peaches and dried lemons on the finish.

Very stinky Sauvignon-like aromas despite the fact that it's 84% Sémillon. Very perfumed and with lots of gras but strong grapefruit aromas. Then a little sudden on the finish. Date tasted 2nd April 2010. Drink 2016-2025.

The rare dry white wine from La Mission Haut Brion is made by the same team as Haut Brion Blanc. In 2009 it will be labelled La Mission Haut Brion Blanc for the first time having previously been known as Laville Haut Brion. The 2.5 hectare vineyard has produced around 500 cases from 84% Semillon and 16% Sauvignon Blanc. Big waxy nose. The palate has lots of honey, melon and lavender. Creamy and unctuous with just enough appley acidity.

It appears to be all upfront with lots of lush tropical fruit and pineapple but the sweetness that is there on both nose and palate is refreshed by a fragrant mix lemon and lime. There are layers of flavour on the palate, sweetness then freshness, the fleshy grapefruit packing out the back palate and lingering. Drink 2015-2030.

Bright lemon yellow, superb white flowers and fresh dry herbs nose, marvellous lift and freshness despite evident ripeness, really well-defined depth and certainly the finest expression of (84%) Semillon in dry Bordeaux. Drink 2012-20.