La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion

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 match a slow-cooked ragu; approachable tannin level suits a weeknight setting.

How to serve La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. Pair with. Roast duck with cherry sauce, Lamb chops with herbed crust, Pasta with beef ragu. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

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.

1. 1991: La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion introduced as the second wine
2. 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 · visiting guide

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

Frequently asked about La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion

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