2001 La Mission Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Captures the easy drinkability of the 2001s at this stage, heading towards 25 years old, still a vibrant pale raspberry colour and now crammed with soft caressing tannins. The fruit character is all finessed spun raspberry and redcurrant puree, with tobacco and white truffle waves through the finish. Easily passes the level test - meaning that the level of this glass goes down extremely quickly, as it is deliciously moreish. Harvest September 17 to October 6, 75% new oak for ageing after a summer that saw almost no rain between July 20 and September 20, with just a few days of more challenging weather during harvest. Jean-Philippe Delmas director.
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The 2001 La Mission Haut-Brion is less complex on the nose than the preceding millennial vintage. There is more blue fruit here, and perhaps greater purity compared to the 2000, though it does not quite possess the same amplitude. The saline, medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins and hints of tangy black olives (kalamata, maybe?), and shows wonderful substance and grip toward the pure finish. Jean-Philippe Delmas commented upon the “surprising depth” of the 2001, which is true. (NM)
Perhaps one of the more overlooked vintages in recent years, the Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2001 is one of the finest wines of the vintage. Here, one is immediately taken aback by the precision exuded by the nose: small dark cherries and orange blossom still there, perhaps the mineralité more heightened than ever. The palate displays exquisite balance with nigh on perfect acidity, demonstrating more tension, if not the dimension of the 1990 tasted alongside. This is a serious La Mission for long-term aging. Tasted June 2014.
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.