2023 La Mission Haut Brion
Buying options
Tasting notes
The nose here is initially reticent, with notes of dried thyme and crushed rock, gradually revealing layers of grilled meat, rich red fruit and mineral tones. The palate is framed by steep yet ripe tannins, a pure and linear core of dark fruit, culminating in a driven, mineral-infused finish. Effortless and excellent. Aged in around 70% new oak, with 14.5% alcohol and 3.78pH. Blend: 52.7% Merlot, 29.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.7% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Absolute classic La Mission sexiness and opulence emerge from the 2023 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, a blend of ripe red and black currants, flowery incense, spice, tobacco, and subtle smoky notes. It's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and outstanding length. This deep, rich, multi-dimensional La Mission will shine with just 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 30+ years. Drink 2029-2059.
Aromatically explosive and nuanced, the 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion is magnificent. It's silky, nuanced and exceptionally polished. I underestimated it from barrel. The blend includes 17% Cabernet Franc, among the highest ever here, and that comes through in the wine's explosiveness. The 2023 has come along beautifully over the last few years. What a fabulous surprise.
The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion, which according to Jean-Philippe Delmas contains the highest contribution of Cabernet Franc ever (17%), has closed up a little since bottling, yet it gradually unfolds with mainly black fruit, black olive, touches of gravel and tobacco in the background. Quite complex, yet discrete. The palate is framed by edgy but finely chiselled tannins. Lovely balance and focus, quite strict and linear with just the right amount of grip on the finish. Sophisticated and persistent, this is a superb La Mission Haut-Brion.
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.