Château La Mission Haut-Brion

The 26 hectares of vineyard at Château La Mission Haut Brion are planted with 45.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.8% Merlot and 10.4% Cabernet Franc. There is a notable increase in Merlot plantings matched with a decrease in Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc since the mid, 1990’s. The soil is deep gravel over clay, with a topsoil of sand and chalk. The vines average 28 years of age and the vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 2012 shows fine depth of colour and has the earthy/Graves nose of La Chapelle but a better expression of fruit, very polished and ripe due to 62% Merlot, but time is needed to dominate the fine but rather firm tannins. Steven Spurrier - Decanter - April 2013

Very good matched with beef fillet with porcini and girolle mushrooms.

"The 2012 La Mission Haut-Brion, which represents 41% of the total production, is a blend of 62% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of tobacco leaf, forest floor, underbrush and red as well as black fruit aromas jump from this aromatic, seductive, open-knit La Mission. Medium to full-bodied, round, generous, lush and flattering to taste, even at this young age, it is built along the stylistic lines of the 2001 or 1999. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. Like its bigger sibling, the second wine, the 2012 La Chapelle de la Mission, was the result of a harvest that occurred between September 17 and October 9. (Keep in mind that the micro-climate of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion is essentially within a highly developed suburb of Bordeaux.)" Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #206 - Apr 2013