As to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection, and it's as seamless, pure, and layered as they come, while still bringing incredible intensity and richness. Smoky red and black currants, leafy tobacco, scorched earth, as well as a hint of violets, all define this incredible wine, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, velvety sweet tannins, moderate acidity, and a gorgeous finish. I love this sexy, opulent, straight-up heavenly wine today, yet it can be drunk with incredible pleasure any time over the coming 50+ years. Reminding me of the 2009 and an undeniable candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2022 hit a solid 14% alcohol with a lofty pH of 3.95.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96 Points+
Less muscular and more approachable than it appeared en primeur, the 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion has turned out beautifully in bottle. Unfurling with aromas of spices, smoke, dark berries, pencil lead and licorice mingled with delicate floral top-notes, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated with a velvety attack that segues into an elegantly structured and energetic mid-palate that's nicely framed by sweet but abundant tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating and perfumed finish. It's a blend of 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot and 5.1% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling 98 Points
Showing blackcurrants, crushed stones and flint undertones, this is full-bodied and very tight with great length and precision, both refined and rather timid at this stage. The strong tannins come out at the end, muscular and beautifully formed, giving tension and power. This needs lots of time to soften. Best after 2030.
Winery Notes:
The refinement and balance of a Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé
The estate
A neighbour of the illustrious Château Haut -Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion has been an iconic Bordeaux wine for centuries. Founded in the 16th century by the de Lestonnac family, the estate was subsequently administered by Lazarist priests. Now owned by Clarence Dillon and Prince Robert de Luxembourg, Château La Mission Haut-Brion continues to shine among the world's greatest wines.
The vineyard
Located in the communes of Talence and Pessac, Château La Mission Haut-Brion looks after a vineyard planted on fine gravel soils resting on a subsoil of clay, sand, limestone and falun (a shell limestone). The vines of Château de La Mission Haut-Brion produce great Pessac-Léognan wines.
The vintage
The winter began with high levels of rainfall, ideal for replenishing water reserves, and was from February onwards mild temperatures which advanced early budburst. The frost in April had a minimal impact on the vineyards, before a mild May. Flowering was uniform and of good quality. The vines withstood three waves of summer heat, supported by the expertise of the teams and the adaptation of viticultural practices. The rain on 13 August restored the vineyard. Despite their small size, the grapes were of excellent quality.
