Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2014 - Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

As generous and well-rounded as ever in terms of texture, tannin integration, and flavor complexity.

About the estate:

While awaiting its new facilities—much like its larger counterpart, Haut-Brion—Mission continues to delight us with its velvety, wonderfully complex wine, a superb expression of Merlot grown on deep gravel soils (often making up more than 50% of the blend) and an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that we dream of one day tasting on its own! The Sémillon-dominant white wine remains unrivaled in Bordeaux in terms of aromatic nobility and complexity.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Separated from Château Haut-Brion only by the RN 250 and part of the Clarence Dillon estates since 1983, this cru stands out for its history. Its history is linked to the powerful de Lestonnac family until 1682, and then, until the Revolution, to the Lazarist Fathers of Saint-Vincent, who recognized the remarkable qualities of its gravelly terroir, which is now planted with 29 hectares of vines, including 3.6 hectares of white grape varieties.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2014 Mission Haut Brion is a blend of 54% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested between September 15 and October 8 and aged in 55% new oak. It has retained its inviting, fresh, and vibrant bouquet, with the shy character it displayed in the barrel giving way to a more outgoing personality. It has an exquisite bouquet with pure black fruit, cool stone notes, a hint of black olive, and, later, a suggestion of Boysenberry jam. The palate is still structured and, given that it is predominantly Merlot, quite masculine. There is still some new oak to fully integrate, though there is clearly enough fruit to carry it through. It comes alive in the second half with a lovely liveliness and impressive length.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

The château is situated on gravelly soil, slightly richer than that of Haut-Brion, which lies directly across from it. If one were to define the distinctive character of this famous cru based on the vintages tasted, one would say that it bears a striking resemblance to Château Haut-Brion. It possesses the same qualities of suppleness and smooth integration (which in no way preclude long and glorious aging in the bottle), as well as the same highly original smoky bouquet. Its profile on the palate, however, is quite different: it is mellower, deeper as a young wine, and more charming, as it is easier to appreciate from its earliest years. With age, La Mission falls short of Haut-Brion in terms of stylistic complexity and pure finesse, but surpasses its neighbor in the voluptuousness of its texture. As you can see, these two cousins—vinified by the same team with the same high standards—are perfect reflections of their respective terroirs and grape variety selections.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This full-bodied wine is beautifully concentrated. Still young, it shows considerable potential with its rich fruit and firm tannins. It has a distinctly juicy finish that reflects the freshness of the vintage. The wine will age well and should not be drunk before 2026.

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

The distinctive character of La Mission really comes through here. Aromas of brine, oyster shells, blackcurrant, and orange peel are prominent. Full-bodied, tight, and tannic, with a muscular, invigorating texture that holds the wine back for now, but it’s waiting to unleash its joy and true nature. Fine-grained. Let it age until 2023 before enjoying it.