2020 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan
Quick Description
- "A Powerful 2020 for a Second Wine" ~96 James Suckling
- "Flat-Out Stunning. Unquestionably a Great Wine in Its Own Right" ~95 JD
- 97 Point "Very High Quality" Vintage ~Vinous
- From the Same Owners as Esteemed Château Haut-Brion
- Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles
***Pre-Arrival Item: ETA End June, 2025***

2020 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan
- "A Powerful 2020 for a Second Wine" ~96 James Suckling
- "Flat-Out Stunning. Unquestionably a Great Wine in Its Own Right" ~95 JD
- 97 Point "Very High Quality" Vintage ~Vinous
- From the Same Owners as Esteemed Château Haut-Brion
- Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles
***Pre-Arrival Item: ETA End June, 2025***
About the Wine
Trust us, you don’t want to let this wine slip through your fingers. From a vintage already fast becoming Bordeaux legend, La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion sings with seductive notes of cedar, tobacco, and rich baking spices. It’s the kind of wine that’s hard to put down now—and impossible not to cherish years from now. This exceptional bottle comes from the sister estate just down the road from the unrivaled first growth Château Haut-Brion, nestled in the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Nestled in the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation, this vineyard’s roots trace back to the 16th century. Its origins intertwine with the Bordeaux aristocracy — most notably the Lestonnac family and Jean de Pontac, a visionary whose legacy shaped some of the region’s greatest vineyards, including the legendary Haut-Brion.
The estate’s unique history took a fascinating turn when it became the property of the Congregation of the Lazarists — a Catholic missionary order — lending it the name “La Mission.” This religious stewardship, marked by the construction of a chapel within the vineyards, echoes through the wine’s noble character to this day.
Over centuries, La Mission Haut-Brion navigated the tides of history — from its repossession during the French Revolution to stewardship by the Chiapelle family, early American proprietors versed in Bordeaux’s finest trades, and later the transformative Woltner family. The Woltners ushered in the modern era of winemaking here, introducing stainless steel tanks and pioneering innovations that set new standards.
In 1983, the estate found a visionary new custodian in Domaine Clarence Dillon, owners of neighboring Château Haut-Brion. Under their stewardship, the vineyards were replanted, the winemaking facilities modernized, and the estate elevated to new heights of excellence.
This meticulous care and storied heritage are what make La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion so exceptional. The second label receives the same precision in vineyard management and craftsmanship as the flagship wine—which recently earned an iconic 100-point score. With the same expert team, terroir, and unwavering dedication, every bottle of La Chapelle carries the estate’s signature balance of power, elegance, and age-worthy complexity.
Produced in limited quantities, this second wine offers a captivating gateway into the world of Château La Mission Haut-Brion. Its name pays homage to the chapel nestled within the estate—built by the Lazarist priests in 1698.
2020 was a great year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, "Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high."
Aging: In French oak barrels (60% new)
Tasting Notes
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot. A splendid dark, garnet-red colour. The first nose is striking for its aromas of red and black fruit. On swirling the wine, scents of raspberry and blackcurrant stand out, underlined by lovely woodiness. The first taste is impressive and fleshy, appealing. Then the wine develops on a more distinct texture of tannin, juicy and rich in fruity flavours. The averagely long finish is very pleasant in its taste of freshly picked fruit and spice.
Critical Reviews
A powerful 2020 for a second wine with blackberry, black olive and blueberry aromas and flavors. Blackcurrants as well. It’s full-bodied yet racy and structured with a long and intense finish. Give it three or four years to soften. Better after 2026. ~96 James Suckling
Looking at the reds, the 2020 La Chapelle De La Mission Haut-Brion is flat-out stunning and unquestionably a great wine in its own right. Cassis, black raspberries, tobacco, and sandalwood are just some of its nuances, and it's medium to full-bodied, with incredible elegance, fine tannins, and a great finish. In general, 2020 isn't the best vintage for the second wines, but you wouldn't know that from tasting this beauty. ~95 Jeb Dunnuck
Confident tannic frame that holds the damson and charred black cherry and pomegranate fruit in place, along with spiced turmeric and smoked earth. Things widen out through the mid palate, and the texture becomes appealingly velvety. Full of joy. Harvest September 7th to 29. ~94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
~94 Vert de Vin
A particularly successful effort, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis, burning embers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's layered and integrated, with a fleshy core, powdery structuring tannins and good tension. ~93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of This Wine***
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