Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2022

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.
 

"As to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection, and it's as seamless, pure, and layered as they come, while still bringing incredible intensity and richness. Smoky red and black currants, leafy tobacco, scorched earth, as well as a hint of violets, all define this incredible wine, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, velvety sweet tannins, moderate acidity, and a gorgeous finish. I love this sexy, opulent, straight-up heavenly wine today, yet it can be drunk with incredible pleasure any time over the coming 50+ years. Reminding me of the 2009 and an undeniable candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2022 hit a solid 14% alcohol with a lofty pH of 3.95." - Jeb Dunnuck, (02/28/2025), Ratings: 100

"The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is a total stunner, just as it was _en primeur_. An archetype of finesse. Dark and explosive, with no hard edges, the 2022 is captivating right out of the gate. Vibrant red fruit, blood orange, new leather and exotic spice notes are all beautifully alive in the glass. The 2022 is seamless and resonant, with magnificent balance and tons of pure class. I would be thrilled to own it. In a word: dazzling." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (01/28/2025), Ratings: 100

"The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is matured in 70% new oak. It has a very refined bouquet with mineral-driven dark berry fruit, hints of Earl Grey and freshly-rolled tobacco, focused with exquisite delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that still provide the backbone to what is the most elegant La Missions that I have tasted at this stage. It is harmonious and silky toward its extremely persistent finish. At the moment, it has got its nose just in front of its First Growth sibling...at least at the moment. For sure, it's going to be one of the standouts of the 2022 vintage." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (05/17/2023), Ratings: 97-99

"Reserved and closed down right now, you can feel the muscularity on the opening beats but as it widens through the mid palate a ton of spice and fragrant freshly-cut herbs come crowding in, giving a light and finessed touch to the deep blueberry and plum fruits. Great quality, these wines have kept their typicity in the heat of the vintage." - Jane Anson, (12/17/2024), Ratings: 97, Drink: 2030-2046

"Gorgeous intensity on the nose, really fragrant and perfumed, richly scented with black fruits and bramble berries. Round, full, persistent and thrilling on the palate, a perfect balance between rich, concentrated and intense fruit and lively acidity. There is density and crispness while remaining quite pure and focussed, no overt over ripeness or heaviness. Precise and elegant, juicy and alive. This has supreme charm. 4pH." - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (05/25/2023), Ratings: 97