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La Mission Haut Brion is one of the two great estates in the Clarence Dillon stable, occupying an enviable position in the Bordeaux firmament. A wine of great distinction, though never ostentatious, it perennially competes for honours with its first growth sibling and on occasion surpasses the heights that even Haut Brion achieves. It is rare that a vintage passes without a critic drawing a line between these two neighbours. As was the case in 2012, a wine that prompted Robert Parker to pronounce…
“As for the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion, this wine continues to perform as it has for nearly a century. At first-growth levels of quality, this is a stunning wine… full and powerful, rich and concentrated…bravo!”97 points. Robert Parker April 2015
Whilst it competes with Haut Brion qualitatively it is interesting to note the discrepancy in their respective market prices. The 2012 Haut Brion is currently £1700 per 6 bottle case; while the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion is £950 per 6. With that in mind, we are delighted to offer a parcel of this wondrous La Mission…
Ch La Mission Haut Brion Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan 2012
£950.00 per 6 IB
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting, the 2012 La Mission Haut-Brion showed brilliantly. It has an intense, floral bouquet with rose petals and strawberry preserve, hints of sous-bois and tobacco gently unfolding in the glass, gaining more earthiness as it aerates in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, broad and spicy with hints of bell pepper suggesting high quality Cabernet Franc. It fans out gloriously with a sustained tertiary finish that completes what is a wondrous La Mission Haut-Brion from Jean-Philippe Delmas and his team. Tasted January 2012. Drink 2020 – 2050. 96 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate