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.
How to serve La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- 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.
- 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)
Frequently asked about La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion
What does La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion taste like?
On the nose, blackcurrant, dark cherry, violet, cedar, dried herbs. On the palate, plum, graphite, tobacco, red berries, spice. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium-long finish. 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.
When should I drink La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion?
Roast duck with cherry sauce is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Lamb chops with herbed crust and Pasta with beef ragu. The wine's dark cherry and spice match duck's richness; moderate tannins integrate with the cherry reduction.
What grapes are in La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion?
The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc. The wine is classified as Pessac-Leognan AOC.