2003 Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2003 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion shows classic characteristics of the appellation, tobacco leaf, tobacco smoke, sweet black currants, kirsch and a touch of graphite. It is attractive, soft, medium-bodied, hedonistic and smoky. Drink it over the next 5-6 years, as it has already reached full maturity. Here’s a case where the second wine comes very close in quality to its bigger sibling, possibly because it is showing great complexity and is even more evolved than the Mission Haut-Brion. 2003 was tough in the Pessac-Leognan because of the lighter soils and the enormous heat and drought. Hence, the harvest here started in mid-August, which was historic.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Pale ruby. Sweet and loose. A bit scrawny on the finish. (Average group score: 14.3) (JR)
25 M: 25 CS: 50 CF A little weak at the rim though very deep crimson in the middle. Light nose and not that obviously ripe. Definitely inky. Very light with find charcoal sort of tannins on the end but very light indeed. Delicately made but a pale shadow of the usual Chapelle. Too light to last very long. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.