Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2011 - Cru Classé de Graves
17/20
RVF
17/20
Bettane & Desseauve
17/20
Gault & Millau
95/100
Robert Parker
93-96/100
Wine Spectator
17/20
Jancis Robinson
“In 2011, this red blends spices and fruit on the nose and on the palate. The tannins are present on the attack, with a fragrant, classic finish—a Graves of moderate intensity that is very appealing. It exudes a certain sophistication, though it doesn’t overwhelm with its body. This wine, which unfolds with great finesse, will be ready to drink fairly soon. ” Absolutely charming! (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France - RVF) Delivered in a wooden case for orders of 6 bottles of this wine shipped within France
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Eye
A very deep, dark red color with mauve highlights
Nose
Very expressive, intense, and open, with notes of black cherries, blackberries, and spices
Palate
The wine’s tannins build smoothly in intensity, leading to a creamy mid-palate. On the finish, the tannic structure tightens, carrying the wine to a beautifully lingering finish.
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2036
Guard
2040
Food and Wine Pairings
Pairs well with red meats, game, and aged cheeses
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated (2015 guide) 17/20 (Reference wine)
Rated estate (2021 guide): 5*Stars (Exceptional producers who represent the absolute pinnacle of quality in France and around the world)
About the wine:
A smoky, spicy nose; a silky texture; a touch more firmness on the palate compared to the 2014, but plenty of character and a long finish.
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
Rated estate (2020 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
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.
Guide des Vins Gault & Millau
Wine rated 17/20 (Outstanding)
About the wine:
The texture is taut, precise, refined, and slender. The spices add warmth and charm. It strikes a balance between power and intensity, yet remains highly elegant.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2014 guide) 95/100 (Extraordinary wine)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
La Mission-Haut-Brion’s small 2011 vintage (4,150 cases) reflects the nobility and complexity of this great terroir. Aromas of glowing embers, scorched earth, blueberries, blackcurrants, licorice, and spices burst from the glass of this dense, ruby-purple wine. Full-bodied (unusual for 2011), yet without any harsh edges, this opulent, multidimensional, fleshy, rich, surprisingly long, and balanced wine is yet another great success in what is nearly the centennial of remarkable wines produced from this sacred vineyard. This long-aging 2011 should be reasonably mature in 4 to 6 years and have an aging potential of two decades. A revelation in a vintage that probably won’t receive much enthusiastic press coverage.
About the estate:
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2015 guide) 17/20 (Great wine)
Rated estate (2020 guide): 3*Stars (These represent the pinnacle of French winemaking. The finest terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical experience)
About the wine:
In the 2011 vintage, this red wine blends spicy and fruity notes on both the nose and the palate. The tannins are firm on the attack, leading to a fragrant, classic finish—a Graves of moderate intensity that is very appealing. It exudes a certain sophistication, though it doesn’t overwhelm with its body. This wine, which unfolds with great finesse, will be ready to drink fairly soon.
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 Spectator
Wine rated 93–96/100 (Exceptional wine)
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated 17/20
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