2024 Château la Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classé

Robert Parker - 93-95

Notes of dark berries, spices, mulberries and discreet hints of new oak preface the 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, dense and attractively seamless wine for the vintage, with a textural mid-palate that's underpinned by a firm chassis of tannins, concluding with a long, broad and rather ripe finish. Slightly austere at this stage, it is likely to flesh out with élevage, developing into a structured and serious La Mission with promising aging potential. Like its sibling Haut-Brion, the estate benefited from its intramural location in Pessac, which allowed for more complete ripening in a year that posed greater challenges for some other Pessac-Léognan properties.

James Suckling - 96-97

A precise, classic vintage showing depth of fruit, but with beautiful austerity and minerals. Mostly red fruit, with touches of dark cherries and currants. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine-etched tannins and lots of brightness. So long and refined in the finish, showing restraint. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 46.5% merlot and 2.5% cabernet franc.

Vinous - 93-95

The 2024 La Mission Haut-Brion has a beautifully defined bouquet with pure, mineral-led black fruit, hints of blueberry and a subtle sea spray influence. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins. Fresh and vibrant, this La Mission feels very cohesive and sophisticated. No, there is not the depth and persistence of a top-drawer vintage, but its noticeable complexity is a cut above.

Decanter - 94

Blackcurrant and black cherry on the palate. Bright pink/purple rim to the glass. Smells sweet, candy floss and softly floral with rose petals. Thick and glossy, this has a great weight on the palate - slightly chewy, present tannins fill the mouth with high toned, just-ripe fruit that has a touch of tension to it. Straight and buzzy, this has detail but is still a little tangy and massy. I like the chalky, mineral-driven elements on the finish. Not as detailed and finessed as the wine can be. Less dynamic and vibrant. 3.65pH. 5.3% press. A yield of 26hl/ha.