2017 Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Mid ruby colour. A nice hit of spice and ripe red fruit on the nose here – but the oak is subtle and savoury. Pithy and crunchy, with a hit of sweet spice on the end. There is fair matière here, bringing more intrigue and depth. It remains a little subdued and coiled, but I expect this to improve with age. Gravelly finish. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, a blend of 49.2% Merlot, 8.9% Cabernet Franc and 41.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, needs a little coaxing to reveal notes of wild blueberries, redcurrant jelly, ripe plums and star anise with hints of red roses and vanilla pod plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has a serious structure of refreshing acidity and ripe, grainy tannins supporting the many delicate nuances, finishing with a lively lift.
The 2017 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is aromatic, vibrant and fresh, but it has plenty of stuffing as well. Dried herbs, menthol, licorice, tobacco and cedar add pretty savory notes. Pliant, lifted and vibrant in feel, La Chappelle is an absolutely stellar second wine.
Plenty of tobacco, chocolate, and leafy herbs notes emerge from the 2017 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion, a classic 2017 with a more medium-bodied style and bright, juicy, elegant texture. With plenty of red currants and assorted darker fruits, it's already delicious, yet I suspect it will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15 years or more.
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.