2015 Château La Mission Haut Brion Pessac Léognan Cru Classé

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is a historic winery located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate has a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century when it was known as La Mission.

In the 17th century, the property was acquired by the de Lestonnac family, who were major players in the Bordeaux wine trade. They invested heavily in the vineyards and winemaking facilities, and the quality of the wine produced at La Mission became well-known throughout Bordeaux.

In the late 18th century, the estate was purchased by the Talleyrand-Perigord family, who were prominent figures in French politics and diplomacy. They continued to invest in the property, and La Mission Haut-Brion became one of the most sought-after wines in the world.

In the 20th century, the estate was acquired by the Woltner family, who made significant improvements to the winemaking facilities and expanded the vineyards. Today, Château La Mission Haut-Brion is owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon, which also owns neighboring Château Haut-Brion, another prestigious Bordeaux estate.

Over the years, Château La Mission Haut-Brion has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in Bordeaux, with a distinctive style that is rich, powerful, and complex. Its wines are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world, and the estate remains a symbol of the rich winemaking tradition of Bordeaux.

58% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. A rich and intense wine with aromas of black fruit, tobacco, and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured with flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and espresso. The finish is long and balanced with fine tannins and acidity. This wine is built to age and will continue to develop over the next decade or more.

Rose petals, sandalwood and currants with some plums and fruit tea. Full-bodied, tight and focused. Incredibly straight and minerally. Toned muscles here. Tannic. Traditional and unwavering. Try in 2024.~100 James Suckling

The 2015 La Mission Haut Brion is a blend of 58% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 9 September and 1 October. Matured in 78% new oak, it has an incredibly pure bouquet with intense blueberry, blackberry, iodine and cold stone aromas that soar from the glass. There is nothing holding back here - a La Mission with real exuberance. The palate is medium-bodied with incredible intensity in the mouth, but without any leaden weight. It is a startling La Mission Haut-Brion to behold at this early stage. It is one of those wines where as a professional critic, I had to adopt a poker face to hide the untrammeled joy this nascent wine imparts. Complete and profound, the 2015 will rank as one of the great modern-day classics from this grand estate, another to add to that long list of magical La Missions. ~98 Wine Advocate