Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2021

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.
 

"This is just gorgeous, flirting with the very best. Striking aromatics of crushed red rose petals that pop out of the glass, Not as long lasting as some vintages perhaps, but so much finesse and balance, plenty of classic La Mission finesse and balance, touches of mint leaf, cloves and pummice stone minerality. Taut on the finish in its tannic structure and no question majors more heavily on the cool blue fruit character than we have seen with this property in recent years but it is seriously enjoyable, a total masterclass in cool fruit delivery, and a reminder than in the warmer location of Mission and Haut-Brion, these more understated vintages can really offer joyful drinking. 73% new oak, harvest September 20 to October 8. No frost impact here and very little mildew, meaning the overall yield was up to 47hl/h. This is one I strongly recommend, my red wine of the vintage." - Jane Anson, (01/30/2024), Ratings: 97

"The 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion unfurls in the glass with a complex, detailed bouquet of plums, cassis, flowers, spices, licorice and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, its fleshy, layered core of fruit is framed by beautifully velvety tannins. In bottle, much as en primeur, this blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc is a charming, sensual rendition of La Mission." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (02/22/2024), Ratings: 95

"Rose, violets and peonies on the nose, with dark chocolate and cassis, smells like liqueur chocolates, perfumed and aromatic. A crystalline quality to the fruit, so driven and pure on the palate. Energetic and lively filled with strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and plum - direct with a vein of exotic spice - cinnamon and clove, as well as touches of orange, bitter grapefruit, dark chocolate and crushed stone. Such a lot going on here, but so well delivered with intensity and direction with racy acidity that keeps everything lifted the whole way through. Lovely minerality on the tongue, the graphite lingering with the juiciness that is still so mouthwatering even on the finish. Compelling and charming." - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (04/01/2022), Ratings: 95

"The 2021 Château La Mission Haut-Brion checks in as a blend of 47.9% Merlot, 45.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc that hit 13.4% alcohol and is still resting in 27% new French oak. Graphite, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and gorgeous cassis and violet-tinge blue fruits all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a vibrant, elegant mouthfeel, terrific tannins, and one hell of a great finish. It's a softer, rounder, more layered wine than the Haut-Brion, with a little more sexiness, yet both are utterly brilliant wines." - Jeb Dunnuck, (06/02/2022), Ratings: 94-96