2014 Blanc

The 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc does not quite possess the same clinical delineation of some of the best dry whites in the flight. But it seems to address that with aeration and offers some lovely lemon rind, grapefruit and chalk scents. The palate is well balanced, underpinned by a fine line of acidity, quite brisk and taut with a persistent finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

The 2014 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Blanc is a Sémillon-dominated cuvée in 2014 and incorporates 28% Sauvignon Blanc, all brought up in barrel. It offers a rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style as well as a sensational sense of minerality and rockiness on both the nose and palate. Meyer lemons, green herbs, citrus, wood smoke, and mint are just some of the nuances here, and this beauty is perfectly balanced and layered, with integrated acidity and a great finish.

The 2014 La Mission Haut Brion Blanc has a surprisingly strict bouquet that needed coaxing from the glass, eventually offering scents of Cornice pear, jasmine and honeysuckle. This is very subtle and clearly will need a few years in bottle, just like Laville Haut Brion demanded. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, a cheeky pinch of lemongrass enlivening the senses on the entry, quite a feral La Mission Haut Brion Blanc with the Sémillon fully in control on the lightly honeyed, spicy finish. It is a great La Mission Haut Brion, although I remain convinced that the 2014 Haut Brion Blanc has the class this year.