| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by La Mission Haut Brion
This angularly-styled La Mission possesses hard tannin that may or may not dissipate over time. It exhibits a dark ruby color in addition to a sweet perfume of dusty, loamy soil notes interwoven with notions of white flowers, blueberries, black currants, and hints of toasty oak in the background. Medium-bodied and austere, it requires 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15.
Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This has a reserved tertiary nose, lots of autumnal scents: bonfires, brown leaves, sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied, tannic and forthright on the entry, notes of blackberry, raspberry, sandalwood and a touch of spice, leading to a vibrant but foursquare finish that would benefit from a little more length and conviction. Tasted October 2009.
Drink 2012-20 Sweet and malty. A bit austere. Youthful. Lots of acidity on the end. A little awkward at this stage.
Extensive amounts of dry tannin in the finish may prove to be a liability after bottling. Nevertheless, this 2002 possesses plenty of power, a dense ruby/purple color, and a sweet nose of hot rocks intermixed with black currants, plums, cherries, and spice box. Medium-bodied and tannic, it cuts a large swath across the palate. The tannin will need to be monitored. If it becomes better integrated, this wine will be outstanding as well as long-lived. At this stage, it is similar in structure to the 1996 and 1988. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.
