Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Grand Cru Classe De Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2015

85% Sémillon, 14% Sauvignon Blanc and a pinch of Muscadelle

18-22 months aging in barrel, with 80 percent new oak

Mission, as it is known in Bordeaux, owes its history to a religious congregation founded in the seventeenth century. The vineyards Clarence Dillon, owner of Château Haut Brion, bought this famous vineyard in 1983. Although they are neighbors, these two wines have totally different styles. Château La Mission Haut-Brion White is an insider’s wine as its production is extremely limited. The estate also produces a red wine and a second wine.

With a depth of color from the rim to the center of the glass, this is all about the incredibly ripe, dark red fruits, soft, but strong tannins and the layers of fruit that seem to start and have a hard time stopping. The finish hangs in there for over 40 seconds! The wine is rich, full bodied and concentrated, yet it’s elegant, powerful and graceful. Everything is in balance and harmony here.

James Suckling 100

Jeb Dunnuck 98

Robert Parker 98