2018 Mission Haut-Brion La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Complex nose. Mouth-filling. Though quite sandy/grainy tannins on the end. (JR)
Critic scores
James Suckling
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has really blossomed since I tasted it in barrel. The bouquet is very pure and perfumed, featuring shimmering red berry fruit, briar, undergrowth and a touch of peppermint dallying in the background. The palate is very well balanced with smooth tannins, very nicely pitched acidity and a subtle marine note toward the finish. This is just plain delicious.
I loved the 2018 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion, which ranks with some of the finest second wines out there. Showing the classic elegance that is the hallmark of this terroir, its ruby/purple color is followed by beautiful notes of black raspberries, mulberries, damp earth, graphite, truffle, and espresso roast. Rich, medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and light on its feet, it still brings plenty of concentration, ripe, seamless tannins, and serious length. It reminds me of the 2016. Drink this smoking Pessac any time over the coming two decades.
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.