In the glass
Aroma: blackberry, raspberry, licorice, scorched earth, cedar pencil
Palate: black cherry, graphite, tobacco leaf, iodine, dark chocolate
La Mission Haut-Brion combines the gravel terroir of Talence with intense, brooding dark fruit. Blackberry, scorched earth, and graphite underpin a structured, powerful palate with velvety tannins and a finish that rivals the great first growths.
What it pairs with
-
Roasted rack of lamb with rosemary
The wine's tobacco and earthy character amplifies herbal notes; firm tannins integrate beautifully with lamb fat. -
Grilled entrecote with bone marrow
Full body and cassis depth stand up to the richness of marrow; the iodine and graphite notes complement the charred crust. -
Wild mushroom and truffle tart
Earthy cedar and scorched-earth tones in the wine mirror truffle depth; a natural textural match. -
Aged Cantal cheese
The crystalline texture and lactic acidity of aged Cantal softens the tannin grip and lifts red-fruit notes. -
Venison saddle with juniper sauce
Game and juniper resonate with the wine's earthy, dark-fruit and tobacco register; full body stands up to the dish.
How to serve Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roasted rack of lamb with rosemary, Grilled entrecote with bone marrow, Wild mushroom and truffle tart. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
La Mission Haut-Brion traces its origins to 1533 when Cistercian monks cultivated vines at Talence. The modern estate was shaped between 1919 and 1983 under the Woltner family, who built its reputation as one of Pessac-Leognan's finest reds. Purchased by Domaine Clarence Dillon (owners of Haut-Brion) in 1983, it sits directly across the road from its famous neighbour and produces a wine of equal ambition if distinct character.
- 1533 — Cistercian monks at Talence cultivate the first vines on the site
- 1919 — Woltner family purchase the estate and begin modernising winemaking
- 1983 — Purchased by Domaine Clarence Dillon, owners of Chateau Haut-Brion
- 2006 — Vineyard of Chateau La Tour Haut-Brion integrated into La Mission; La Chapelle de La Mission becomes the single second wine
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion
- Grapes
- Merlot (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Cabernet Franc (7%)
- Classification
- Cru Classe de Graves
- Oak
- 100% new French oak, approximately 22 months
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- EUR 300-450 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-40 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1919
Scores
- Wine Advocate 100 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Decanter 98 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Wine Advocate 97 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2023)
Frequently asked about Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion
What does Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion taste like?
On the nose, blackberry, raspberry, licorice, scorched earth, cedar pencil. On the palate, black cherry, graphite, tobacco leaf, iodine, dark chocolate. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, medium acidity with a very long finish. La Mission Haut-Brion combines the gravel terroir of Talence with intense, brooding dark fruit. Blackberry, scorched earth, and graphite underpin a structured, powerful palate with velvety tannins and a finish that rivals the great first growths.
When should I drink Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion?
Drink 10-40 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion?
Roasted rack of lamb with rosemary is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled entrecote with bone marrow and Wild mushroom and truffle tart. The wine's tobacco and earthy character amplifies herbal notes; firm tannins integrate beautifully with lamb fat.
What grapes are in Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion?
The blend is Merlot (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Cabernet Franc (7%). The wine is classified as Cru Classe de Graves.