La Mission Haut Brion 2023 (6x75cl OWC)

Description

By Vinous in 2024 (NM93-95)
The 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked between September 5 until October 5, a relatively long picking, at 50hL/ha. It has a wonderful bouquet with brightness and verve: very well-defined red and black fruit, a little floral in style, maybe not as rambunctious as recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins. A perfect line of acidity counterbalances the creamy texture, turning quite plush toward the finish, but it is amazingly well-focused. This is a generous La Mission Haut-Brion that will probably drink earlier than say, the 2022, as winemaker Jean-Philippe Delmas agreed. It’s very fine and very delicious, but I would not place it within the canon of top vintages.

By Wine Advocate in 2026 (WA98)
Surpassing the expectations formed at the en primeur stage, the 2023 La Mission Haut-Brion unfurls in the glass with aromas of cassis, dark berries, spices, licorice, burning embers and pencil shavings. Medium- to full-bodied, ample and velvety, it is suave and seamless, built around a perfectly controlled, dense core of fruit framed by powdery, structuring tannins and lively acidity, extending into a long, seemingly endless and ethereal finish. The blend comprises 52.7% Merlot, 29.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.7% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2026-2056

By Jane Anson in 2026 (JA96)
Fragrant, kicks off with clear grip and energy, plump fruits underneath, edges of campfire smoke and grilled caramel, ripe ruby fruit, with the signature florality, charm and luscious edge of La Mission. Harvest through to October 5. 69% new oak for ageing, Jean-Philippe Delmas director, Jean-Philippe Masclef technical director, no outside consultant.