Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2014

$241.95
In Stock   Usually ships in 2-5 days, weather permitting
Only 2 left
SKU
3865-2014
Estimate Fees

• Domaine: Château La Mission Haut-Brion
• Appellation: Pessac-Leognan
• Origin: Left Bank, Bordeaux, France

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is considered by Robert Parker to be one of the best wines from Pessac-Léognan in terms of quality and consistency.  This dense, tannic, and concentrated wine expresses itself beautifully, but it demands time in the cellar in order to reach its fullest potential.  It would be impossible to discuss this producer without touching briefly upon its neighbor across the street, the esteemed First Growth Château Haut-Brion.  Though there used to be a bit of a rivalry between these two illustrious estates, the tension has cooled down throughout the ages, and both are recognized as incredible expressions of Pessac-Léognan terroir within their own right.  For the oenophile who loves a wine with power, intensity, concentration, and structure – Château La Mission Haut-Brion is an excellent choice.
 
Château La Mission Haut-Brion has a long history that dates to the 16th Century.  The property was purchased by Jean de Pontac in 1533.  Jean de Pontac was a well-known figure in the wine industry, owning some of the best estates in Bordeaux.  He would later go on to own Château Haut-Brion as well.  In 1607 the property changed hands to Olive de Lestonnac, a young widow who would manage the property.  Eventually, she gave the property to the Congregate of the Mission, and that is when the estate received its moniker, “La Mission Haut-Brion.”  A chapel was built in the vineyards, and it was known as Notre Dame de La Mission.  The estate remained in the hands of the Roman Church until it was possessed by the French Government during the French Revolution. It was subsequently sold at public auction to the Chiapelle family who ended up managing Cos d’Estournel
 
During the time of the 1855 Classification, La Mission Haut-Brion was selling wine priced similarly if not more expensive than the Second Growths in Bordeaux.  The estate was not classified in 1855 as Château Haut-Brion was the only property within the Graves region with that privilege.  This would change when Château La Mission Haut-Brion was classified during the Graves Classification in 1953.  The estate changed hands several times until it was acquired by Domaine Clarence Dillon, the owners of Château Haut-Brion.  Once Domaine Clarence Dillon took over operations of the estate, a massive renovation was completed both within the vineyards and at the estate.  The wines have never been better.
 
Château La Mission Haut-Brion is situated on a deep gravel bed, which is typical of the region.  Here, plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon thrive in the soils with excellent drainage. Château La Mission Haut-Brion vinifies their wines in stainless steel prior to ageing them in new French oak for 22 months.  Their white wine, Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is considered one of the finest expressions of White Bordeaux in all of Pessac-Léognan.  The wine of La Mission Haut-Brion is opulent and full-bodied, requiring several years in bottle to reach its peak expression, though we can assure you it is very much worth the wait.
 

Tasting Notes

"The 2014 La Mission Haut Brion is a blend of 54% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked between 15 September and 8 October and raised in 55% new oak. It has retained that engagingly fresh and vibrant bouquet, the bashful nature that it showed in barrel replaced by a more outgoing personality. This is an exquisite bouquet with pure black fruit, cold stone, a touch of black olive and later a suggestion of boysenberry preserve. The palate is still structured and considering that a majority is Merlot, quite masculine. There remains some new oak to be fully assimilated, although there is clearly the fruit to soak that up. It comes more alive on the second half with a lovely spiciness and impressive persistence. It will have more to give down the line and the strictness implies that this La Mission Haut Brion should be afforded a decade in the cellar before it will show what it can do." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (3/31/2017, Interim Issue), Ratings: 95

 

More Information
Stock Status In Stock
Appellation Pessac-Léognan
Vintage 2014
Brand Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Shipping Weight 3.000000

Footnotes on Futures, Pre-Arrivals, and potential US Tariffs: 

1. As of June 15, 2021, the US and the EU agreed to suspend tariffs resulting from the Boeing-Airbus aircraft trade disputes. Accordingly, such import taxes are now suspended for the next five years.

2. Futures are expected to be available for delivery two years after the sales (e.g., the 2022 vintage, sold in 2023, will be delivered in 2025 mostly, or 2026 if the producer ages the wine longer).

3. Pre-Arrivals are items currently stored in our Bordeaux cellar or in transit from France to the US. It usually takes 1-6 months for Pre-Arrivals to become available for delivery, depending on the stage of the import process.

4. Regarding futures and pre-arrivals, we cannot guarantee specific delivery dates, which factors beyond our control may impact. However, we will notify you once your wine arrives in our cellar.

5. While a buyer of Bordeaux wine futures locks in an allocation of the specified items, the final delivery of the purchased items from France to the US may be impacted by intervening and unforeseeable events. Despite our due diligence, additional costs or delays may be caused by such intervening and unforeseen events and "an irresistible, superhuman cause, or by the act of public enemies of the state of California or the United States."  In such circumstances, if a buyer does not accept unforeseeable costs or delays, the sole and exclusive remedy is a cancellation of the futures order concerned and a refund of the original purchase price. We are NOT liable for any lost profits on a canceled order.

© 2024 Laguna Cellar. All rights reserved. (888) 390-WINE | Drink Responsibly | End Drunk Driving