2022, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Rouge, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Frequently the qualitative equal of sister-château Haut-Brion and in some years even better. La Mission's production levels are now smaller than ever and, more than ever, it can be seen as an 'honorary' first growth. 2022 blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion has a very refined bouquet with mineral-driven dark berry fruit, hints of Earl Grey and freshly-rolled tobacco, focused with exquisite delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that still provide the backbone to what is the most elegant La Missions that I have tasted at this stage. It is harmonious and silky toward its extremely persistent finish. At the moment, it has got its nose just in front of its First Growth sibling...at least at the moment. For sure, it's going to be one of the standouts of the 2022 vintage. 97-99 Neal Martin, Vinous.

One of the most intense Missions that I can remember in terms of colour, but the density in the phenolics is beautifully balanced on the palate by red roses and peony aromatics, edges of violet, incense, cigar box, black pepper spice, with clear grip and fierce concentration. Delivers an exceptional feeling of walking the line between excess and restraint, hard to resist. Yields a little higher on Cabernet Sauvignon than in Haut-Brion, so higher percentage here. 97 Jane Anson.

This has real al dente fruit character on the palate with lemon rind and blackcurrants with blueberries. Lead pencil and stone, too. Full-bodied with chewy and juicy tannins that are primary and growing quickly on the palate as you taste it. Reminds me of the 1978, but brighter and more precise. 98-99 James Suckling.

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion tumbles out of the glass with gregarious notes of plum preserves, creme de cassis, and blueberry compote, followed by hints of sandalwood, violets, and licorice. The full-bodied palate is charged with energetic black fruits, featuring impressive tension and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing very long and opulent. Typically the more flamboyant sibling to Haut-Brion, it will be hard to keep your paws off this even after only 5-6 years in bottle. 97-99 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Drinking Window: 2029 - 2065