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Goedhuis, April 2023, Score: 98-99
La Mission Haut Brion 2022 has all the components of a modern great. On the nose it is initially understated, delicately floral. With some coaxing, more serious dark fruits emerge, followed by crushed rock and toasted coffee with more swirling; it’s incredibly inviting. Lithe on the palate, with such a soft smooth mouthfeel that almost caresses, and the acidity nicely in check. The fine, powdery, almost chalky tannins build slowly beneath, while the ripe perfectly precise fruit rides just above. The length goes on and on, this is such a complete wine.
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Neal Martin, April 2023, Score: 97-99
The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is matured in 70% new oak. It has a very refined bouquet with mineral-driven dark berry fruit, hints of Earl Grey and freshly-rolled tobacco, focused with exquisite delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that still provide the backbone to what is the most elegant La Missions that I have tasted at this stage. It is harmonious and silky toward its extremely persistent finish. At the moment, it has got its nose just in front of its First Growth sibling...at least at the moment. For sure, it's going to be one of the standouts of the 2022 vintage. Drink 2029-2065
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Antonio Galloni, April 2023, Score: 97
The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Dark, powerful and imposing, with compelling inner sweetness, La Mission is positively striking. The purity of the flavors is striking, but the wine's statuesque personality might be even more impressive. Time in the glass brings out all sorts of savory and mineral notes that add complexity. The balance here is just mind-blowing. What a wine! Drink 2032-2062.
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Wine Advocate, April 2023, Score: 94-96+
A rich and muscular wine that reflects the warmth of the vintage, the 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion reveals aromas of dark berries, cherries and crème de cassis mingled with licorice, spices, incense and spring flowers. Full-bodied, broad and concentrated, it's surprisingly lively despite an elevated pH of 4.0, exhibiting a seamless, broad-shouldered profile with an ample core of fruit framed by rich, powdery tannin. It's a blend of 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot and 5.1% Cabernet Franc.
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James Suckling, April 2023, Score: 98-99
This has real al dente fruit character on the palate with lemon rind and blackcurrants with blueberries. Lead pencil and stone, too. Full-bodied with chewy and juicy tannins that are primary and growing quickly on the palate as you taste it. Reminds me of the 1978, but brighter and more precise. 51.7% cabernet sauvignon, 43.2% merlot and 5.1% cabernet franc.
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Decanter, April 2023, Score: 97
Gorgeous intensity on the nose, really fragrant and perfumed, richly scented with black fruits and bramble berries. Round, full, persistent and thrilling on the palate, a perfect balance between rich, concentrated and intense fruit and lively acidity. There is density and crispness while remaining quite pure and focussed, no overt over ripeness or heaviness. Precise and elegant, juicy and alive. This has supreme charm. 4pH.
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Matthew Jukes, April 2023, Score: 19+
The Grand Vin focuses on its Cabernet backbone, giving it a ramrod-straight appearance, length, and attitude that is as forthright as any wine in this vintage. Even though the fruit is steadfast, it is also fleshy, pliable and incredibly pure. The balance is spectacular, and the length is incredible, too. But, strangely, it does not grow on the palate, nor does it broaden in common with the second wine. Instead, it puts all of its efforts into lengthening the palate and driving the volume of flavours on and on. This is a thrilling study in Cabernet and a miracle of freshness and dynamism. This is a great La Mission, and it will live for decades.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2023, Score: 17.5
Deep, bright crimson. Subdued but with a stony freshness. Cassis as it opens. Vibrant attack with good acidity and freshness. Long and linear, the tannins firm but wrapped in fruit. Persistent. (James Lawther MW) Drink 2032 – 2055
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Jeb Dunnuck, April 2023, Score: 95-97
While I don't see the 2022 Château La Mission Haut-Brion matching the legendary wines from this address at this early stage, it's nevertheless a gorgeous wine in the making. Based on 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, it has a pure, elegant, lengthy style as well as classic cassis and darker cherry fruits, some smoky, tobacco, scorched earth nuances, medium to full body, perfectly ripe tannins, and a great finish. I love its tannins, and it's a forward, seamless, balanced beauty that will shine with just short-term cellaring.
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Jane Anson, April 2023, Score: 97
One of the most intense Missions that I can remember in terms of colour, but the density in the phenolics is beautifully balanced on the palate by red roses and peony aromatics, edges of violet, incense, cigar box, black pepper spice, with clear grip and fierce concentration. Delivers an exceptional feeling of walking the line between excess and restraint, hard to resist. Yields a little higher on Cabernet Sauvignon than in Haut-Brion, so higher percentage here.