In the glass
Aroma: blackcurrant, dark cherry, violet, cedar, dried herbs
Palate: plum, graphite, tobacco, red berries, spice
The second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, incorporating grapes from younger vines and since 2006 from the former La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard. Shares the Talence gravel terroir; accessible dark fruit with cedar and spice, drinkable earlier than the grand vin.
What it pairs with
-
Roast duck with cherry sauce
The wine's dark cherry and spice match duck's richness; moderate tannins integrate with the cherry reduction. -
Lamb chops with herbed crust
Medium body and dried-herb notes complement herbed lamb without overwhelming the dish. -
Pasta with beef ragu
Cedar and dark fruit in the wine elevate a slow-cooked ragu; approachable tannin level suits a weeknight setting.
History
Created at the 1991 vintage from younger vines of La Mission Haut-Brion. From 2006 onward, when La Tour Haut-Brion's vineyard was merged into La Mission, all grapes from that property were directed into La Chapelle, significantly elevating the quality of the second wine. Annual production averages approximately 4,000 cases.
- 1991 — La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion introduced as the second wine
- 2006 — La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard integrated into La Mission; its grapes diverted entirely to La Chapelle, raising quality markedly
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion
- Grapes
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- Classification
- Pessac-Leognan AOC
- Oak
- Percentage of new oak lower than grand vin; approximately 18 months
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 80-130 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1991
Scores
- Wine Advocate 93 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)